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Redefining Reality

By: Steven Gimbel, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Steven Gimbel
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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
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A great eye opener!

loved it, although it may be a bit heavy to read. I enjoyed it!

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Fabulous

Loved it! I listened to it all from start to finish and will do again. Loved his delivery and humour. Content was fascinating.

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Must have title

I strongly recommend this title as a stater for anyone who wants to listen to other titles from TTC

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Wonderful, thought provoking, well organised book.

The writer is well versed in his vast subject and makes it all clear and accessible. Read with enthusiasm.
I loved every minute.

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2 people found this helpful

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The best, cannot praise this course enough

A brilliant lecture series, the first of the Great Courses I bought and it remains my favourite. I have listened at least three times and each time when I come to the end I wish I had not finished. Professor Gimbel is superb, his presentation is candid and lively and kept my attention without compromising the intelligence of the content.

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A fascinating journey

This was a fascinating journey in all major areas of perceiving, assessing and defining reality.

What I think it makes these series of lectures stand out from similar ones is the broad, yet critical approach on the methods, touching on the important concepts but explained succinctly - it is a gift that Professor Gimbel employs through the full range of the 36 subjects.

Also important in my opinion is the wide range of subjects covered: Philosophy, Physics, Sociology, Art, Computing, Virtual Reality, Data analytics (among many others)- a plurality which covers different facets of the subject but maintains continuity and coherency through the course. Even further, there is always a stimulating reference in key areas to connect dots making the listener not a passive receiver of information but helping to acquire personal knowledge through critical comparison.

Absolute joy to go through for a second time.

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Stretches your mind, I feel enriched

I strive to understand.
This book takes you on a fascinating journey through everything. Steven brings this alive with his thoughtful explanations and examples. I really prefer when experts deliver their own content. A masterpiece.

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Hard concepts to begin but worth the time and effort

Brilliant lectures that will make you question reality as you know it. I was hooked from beginning to end.

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good all round overview of so many subjects

enjoyed the various subject matters and would follow up on many. great overall course but the conclusions weren't entirely convincing

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Very interesting. Amazing research and examples

Loved the information from different industries covering different themes explaining science, evolution of humanity and technology.

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