Send us a text

For the past few centuries, we have philosophically operated under Newtonian physics where questions of experience and of the soul were seen as subjective, with no connection to the numerical certainty of science. However, then came quantum physics.

In his new book, Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith, classicist Dr. Spencer Klavan retells the history of science and highlights the philosophical implications of each era. He argues that quantum mechanics, with its exploration of uncertainty and consciousness, has not only returned physics to the question of the soul. But, also, has provided an incredible argument for the Genesis account of creation.

You may recognize Dr. Klavan from his appearance in episode 104 - Modern Problems, Ancient Solutions - Applying the Wisdom of the Classics to the Cultural Conflicts of Today

Topics:

• The purpose of this book
• Music of the Spheres & the Medieval View of the world - the World as Beauty + Order
• Philosophical implications of "ghost in the machine" philosophy
• AI and the mechanical view of the universe
• Genesis, Consciousness, and Quantum Mechanics
• Worldviews and Science
• A clash of cultures: Scientism and Skepticism in America
• Confusing spiritual truths and scientific truths
• "What books have had an impact on you?"
• "What advice do you have for teenagers?"

Bio:
Dr. Spencer Klavan is an associate editor at the Claremont Review of Books and a podcaster on the great works of the West. Dr. Klavan is a scholar, writer, and podcast host of Young Heretics, with a lifelong devotion to the great works and principles of the West. After studying Greek and Latin at Yale University as an undergrad, he spent five years at Oxford University completing his doctorate in ancient Greek literature. Check out his latest book, Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith.

Resources mentioned:

• Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith
• Books of impact:
  • In high school: Bible
  • During grad school: Owen Barfield's Poetic Diction and Saving Appearances
  • Since his last appearance: Thomas Traherne's Centuries of Meditations

Socials -

Lessons from Interesting People substack: https://taylorbledsoe.substack.com/

Website: https://www.aimingforthemoon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiming4moon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aiming4Moon

Facebook:

Send us a text

A multifaceted understanding of wisdom is essential for a functioning society. Only with this broad understanding can we humbly dialogue with those who disagree with us and piece by piece build a culture of conversation. In this episode, I sit down with geneticist and physician Dr. Francis Collins to discuss his latest book, The Road to Wisdom. Dr. Collins argues that we must return to the four core sources of judgment and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust.

A Quick Note:

Aiming for the Moon has a diverse audience. I strongly believe that developing your perspective comes from speaking with people who you both agree with and disagree with. Iron sharpens iron. That’s why this podcast is a platform that hosts interesting and successful people from a variety of worldviews. Gen. Z has the opportunity to trailblaze a culture of conversation. So, let’s go.

Topic:

• Four Anchors of Knowledge: Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust
• Cynicism and Nihilism in Public Discourse
• The Importance of Humility in Dialogue
• "How has being attacked by those 'on your side?' changed how you communicate?"
• Harmonizing Faith and Science
• Iron sharpens Iron: How going outside your bubble helps expand your perspective
• Navigating Polarized Issues in a Multicultural Society
• Practical Steps: So, how should we then live?
• "What books have had an impact on you?"
• "What advice do you have for teenagers?"

Bio:
Dr. Francis S. Collins is a physician and geneticist. His groundbreaking work has led to the discovery of the cause of cystic fibrosis, among other diseases. In 1993 he was appointed director of the international Human Genome Project, which successfully sequenced all 3 billion letters of our DNA. He went on to serve three Presidents as the Director of the National Institutes of Health.

Resources mentioned:

• The Road to Wisdom
• Taylor's Substack: The Dangers of Abstracting Individuals in a Divided Society
• Ep. 80. The Perception of Political Polarization and How to Fix It: Dr. Chris Bail
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Books of impact:
  • Bible
  • Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
  • The Constitution of Knowledge by Jonathan Rauch

Socials -

Lessons from Interesting People substack: https://taylorbledsoe.substack.com/

Website: https://www.aimingforthemoon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiming4moon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aiming4Moon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.

Send us a text

In his book, The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers, award-winning journalist Eric Weiner describes how to live well. He argues that our technologically advanced societies have mistaken knowledge for wisdom. In this episode, we discuss how philosophy affects our every action, whether we recognize it or not. Philosophy allows us to make sense of our lives, to find our place in world, and to see the beauty within it. Listen in to this wonderful conversation about this overlooked art.

Topics:

• Our Wisdom-hungry Society - Mistaking Knowledge for Wisdom.
• How Philosophy Teaches Us How to Live
• The Philosophy of the Modern World
• The Metaverse and Plato
• The Hidden Influence of Philosophy on Our Daily Lives
• Happiness - Ancient Greeks vs Us
• "What books have had an impact on you?"
• "What advice do you have for teenagers?"

Bio:
Eric Weiner is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker. His books include The Geography of Bliss, The Geography of Genius, Man Seeks God, and The Socrates Express. His latest book, Ben & Me, will be published by Avid Reader Press in June 2024. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Eric is a former foreign correspondent for NPR, and reporter for The New York Times. He is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, BBC Travel, and AFAR, among other publications. He lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

Socials! -

Lessons from Interesting People substack: https://taylorbledsoe.substack.com/

Website: https://www.aimingforthemoon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiming4moon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aiming4Moon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiming4moon

Taylor's Blog: https://www.taylorgbledsoe.com/