About this episode
Bernardo Kastrup has a Ph.D. in computer engineering with specializations in artificial intelligence and reconfigurable computing. He has worked as a scientist in some of the world's foremost research laboratories, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the "Casimir Effect" of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Bernardo has authored many scientific papers and philosophy books. His three most recent books are: More Than Allegory, Brief Peeks Beyond, and Why Materialism Is Baloney. He has also been an entrepreneur and founder of a successful high-tech start-up. Next to a managerial position in the high-tech industry, Bernardo maintains a philosophy blog, a video interview series, and continues to develop his ideas about the nature of reality. He has lived and worked in four different countries across continents, currently residing in the Netherlands. Books: Why Materialism Is Baloney: How True Skeptics Know There Is No Death and Fathom Answers to life, the Universe, and Everything Meaning in Absurdity: What bizarre phenomena can tell us about the nature of reality Dreamed Up Reality: Diving into the Mind to Uncover the Astonishing Hidden Tale of Nature Rationalist Spirituality: An exploration of the meaning of life and existence informed by logic and science More Than Allegory: On Religious Myth, Truth And Belief Important article: The Physicalist Worldview as Neurotic Ego-Defense Mechanism Website: bernardokastrup.com Youtube Channel Transcript of this interview First Batgap interview with Bernardo. Interview recorded June 4, 2016. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the interview 00:04:45 - The Spectrum of Religious Myths 00:09:10 - The Mythical Bridge between Perception and Meaning 00:13:22 - The Misinterpretation of Vedanta and the Significance of Myths 00:17:31 - Creator Deity and the Dream of Existence 00:21:41 - Myths as Contemplation of Transcendent Truths 00:25:57 - The Beginner's Mind and the Contemplative Atmosphere 00:30:22 - The Symbolism in Religious Myths 00:35:15 - The Richness of a Life Informed by Religious Myth 00:39:40 - Judging Reality and Symbolism 00:43:56 - Lucid Dreaming and the Exploration of Reality 00:48:09 - The Role of Myth in Science 00:52:23 - The Ultimate Scientific Instrument 00:56:34 - The Marriage of Science and Philosophy 01:00:50 - The Negative Influence of Religious Institutions 01:05:09 - The History of Intermediaries and the Need for Experience 01:09:33 - Belief in the Power of Science 01:14:12 - The Trouble with Science Interpretation 01:18:29 - Psychological Gain and the Search for Meaning 01:22:37 - The Games Scientists Play 01:26:42 - Surrender and collaboration between science and spirituality 01:31:03 - Deity Yoga in Tibetan Buddhism and its relation to Advaita Vedanta 01:35:00 - The Search for Meaning and the Play of Archetypes 01:38:25 - The Mystery and Magic of Life 01:41:44 - The Complementarity of Intellect and Realization 01:45:20 - The Hub and the Spokes 01:48:36 - Perspectives on the Nature of Reality 01:52:19 - The Qualities of Experience 01:55:33 - Overcoming Existential Angst 02:01:59 - Leaving them wanting more 02:02:38 - Website Features