Does the universe have a purpose? In conversation with Philip Goff

About this episode

Nick Spencer discusses the concept of purpose in the universe with philosopher Philip Goff.

Human beings need a sense of purpose but differ strongly on whether that purpose is discovered or created, on whether the universe itself has a purpose or whether purpose is just the result of a hyperactive human mind? This disagreement often maps onto the theist/atheist divide - but not always and not necessarily. Perhaps the issue of purpose is wider than belief in God. So does the universe itself show signs of purpose? If so, how would we know? Or is all this simply a delusion of a hominid brain than needs purpose and is happy to create it if it can’t find one out there? Join Nick Spencer as he speaks to Philip Goff, a British author, panpsychist philosopher, and professor at Durham University, to discuss his latest book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe. You can buy a copy of Philip's book here .

People in this episode

Host: Nick Spencer

Guest: Philip Goff

Topics covered

• purpose
• theism
• atheism
• philosophy
• panpsychism
• human experience

Keywords

• universe
• purpose
• theism
• atheism
• philosophy
• panpsychism
• human mind

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Durham University

Books & works: Why? The Purpose of the Universe

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