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Redefining Reality cover art

Redefining Reality

Written by: Steven Gimbel, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Steven Gimbel
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Publisher's Summary

No subject is bigger than reality itself, and nothing is more challenging to understand, since what counts as reality is undergoing continual revision and has been for centuries. For example, the matter that comprises all stars, planets, and living things turns out to be just a fraction of what actually exists. Moreover, we think that we control our actions, but data analytics can predict, with astonishing accuracy, when we will wake up, what we will buy, and even whom we will marry.

The quest to pin down what's real and what's illusory is both philosophical and scientific, a metaphysical search for ultimate reality that goes back to the ancient Greeks. For the last 400 years, this search has been increasingly guided by scientists, who create theories and test them in order to define and redefine reality. And we have developed the power to alter our own reality in major ways - to defeat diseases, compensate for disabilities, and augment our intellect with computers. Where is that trend going?

Experience the thrill of this exciting quest in 36 wide-ranging lectures that touch on many aspects of the ceaseless search for reality. From the birth of the universe to brain science, discover that separating the real from the illusory is an exhilarating intellectual adventure.

Scientists and philosophers are not alone in grappling, at an intellectual level, with reality. Some of the most accessible interpretations are by painters, novelists, filmmakers, and other artists whose works not only draw on the latest discoveries but also sometimes inspire them. Explore examples such as Alice in Wonderland, pointillism, cubism, surrealism, and reality TV.

And since dealing with reality is an experience we all share, this course is designed for people of all backgrounds.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2015 The Great Courses

What listeners say about Redefining Reality

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Utterly enjoyable journey

Poignant and well written. The author managed to take us on a historical and time relevant adventure through man’s understanding of the world as technology, philosophy and science has evolved! Absolutely loved how the lecture encompassed all sciences and told through a historical lense - and he was funny in the process! Fabulous!

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everything History and Science in one it'd amazing

the book was amazing clear and well written, timely and entertaining. it would recommend it to friends and youth

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Summary of history

Great summary of the history of science, culture and philosophy. Good narration and funny

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Biased

Extremely well at reporting the available observable data, but subtly biased in his philosophical explanation.

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Great

Excellent summary of where we are intellectually. Lecturer has excellent grasp of subject matter and did a great job of tying together different principles into one line of thinking.

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Great Read

This was one of my favorite Great Courses and very profound insight into changes that I have witnessed in my own lifetime. Highly recommended read. #Audible1

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a wonderful, broad spectrum view of science

a pleasing walkthrough of the many domains of science, touching the subtlety and interconnections of each

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Great Wholistic Approach

Love the presenter. Touches on lots of different paradigms. Doesn't espouse a particular world view. Just presents what's out there.

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