Exploring Metaphysics

By: David K. Johnson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: David K. Johnson

This mind-bending tour of metaphysics applies philosophy to the forefront of today's knowledge. Over the course of 24 fascinating lectures, Professor Johnson thinks through the big questions about humans and the universe: The relationship between the mind and the brain, how consciousness emerges from neurochemical processes, the existence of God, human free will, the possibility of time travel, and whether we live in a multiverse or even a computer simulation.

Drawing from the realms of psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and philosophy, the first half of the course examines the defining traits of being human. You'll explore the connection between brains and minds, as well as the nature of the self, time, and human free will.

The second half of the course shifts from the nature of the individual to the nature of the universe. Here metaphysics, science, and theology all intersect as you consider the existence of God, the science behind relativity, and the bizarre-even spooky-world of quantum mechanics.

Although the subject has ancient roots, the metaphysics you study in this course is far from an esoteric system of thought. Indeed, this material is very much alive today-at the forefront of philosophy, physics, and medical technology. When you complete this course, you will have a much richer perspective on the world around you. Virtually every lecture will challenge some of your bedrock beliefs about yourself and the universe.

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

©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

stunning

the course can make one think and rethink of the nature of reality and consciousness. it's the first audiobook that I know I will rehear and even take notes to get the details.

Interesting

Grab the PDF of the book and have handy to write down thoughts notes and questions. Some sections are just too complex for audio alone.

This is nerd narcotics!

Very impressive foundational coverage of everything you need to know about our understandings of the universe and our reality within the universe.

Not enough Stars to rate this!

Honestly one of the best of the Great Courses that I have listened to.

Metaphysics is the Grand Old Discipline from which all other modern scientific fields spring.

Explore physics, psychology, consciousness, theism, the human soul, quantum mechanics, and more.

It's a good time. You learn something too. Give it a whirl.

Great topic, good info, lacking on presentation

What made the experience of listening to Exploring Metaphysics the most enjoyable?

The information was digestible and on mostly point.

What other book might you compare Exploring Metaphysics to and why?

I would not, its not a book, its a course. Cmon audible, get with the program here, you can not expect to ask these kinds of dumb questions. Stop outsourcing to India for this kind of thing. lol.

What about Professor David K. Johnson’s performance did you like?

Mostly his flow. He was quite good at tying the topics together and getting them to flow into one another, however, the performance left something to be desired...

If you could give Exploring Metaphysics a new subtitle, what would it be?

I would not.

Any additional comments?

Professor Johnson was pleasant to listen to, but at times seemed perhaps confused by his own presentation, I suppose that is the nature of "metaphysics"... quite good though, overall.

Simply phenomenal ( no pun intended )

As the title above states ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ -

He truly understands Quantum Physics

Few understands why Quantum physics can not be applied to macroscopic objects or entity like human or the mind. He explains this very well.

Prepare to have you mind blown.

Very fun and enjoyable to listen to. The speaker moves through huge issues quickly so a prior understanding of some of the fundamental issues at hand is recommended.

Good Overview - possibly dense for some

The Great Courses are generally pretty good for newbies on given topics. Since I don't have a lot of formal philosophy training it was interesting to hear someone articulate metaphysics questions verbally. This material might be a little dense for people who don't ponder existential questions

Pretty Good

I have enjoyed this course (as I have always enjoyed Johnson’s papers outside of it), but I do feel like the arguments for the existence of the future before we arrive there were weak. But as a survey of views, everything else was well balanced. I would highly recommend it to the philosophically interested individual without formal philosophical training.