In this episode, we delve into Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution by Natural Selection and explore the alternative philosophical perspective of Henri Bergson. While Darwin's mechanistic view emphasizes random mutations and natural selection, Bergson introduces the concept of élan vital—a creative force driving life's complexity and direction.

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Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

You can also check out the new YouTube channel!

Music in this Episode

• Pretty Melody by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Easy Going by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Curious Process by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
  
• Squiggly Line 1 by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

The concept of superposition exists in both quantum mechanics and evolutionary geology. We start with the strange and counterintuitive world of quantum physics, where particles exist in multiple states until observed. Then, we journey back to 1666 where another kind of superpositionwas discovered—this time in rock layers - allowing us to read Earth's history through its geological layers.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

You can also check out the new YouTube channel!

Music in this Episode

• Three Colors by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Submerging Blue-Black by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Floating by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
  
• Chimera by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

What if consciousness, much like the architectural 'spandrels' we talked about before, isn't actually crucial to our survival? Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin argued that some traits might just be byproducts, not directly selected for their utility. We'll unravel this thread by retracing the steps of René Descartes on a cold night in 1619 when he conceived ideas that challenged our understanding of reality. Was his revelation in a cozy 'oven' room the birth of modern philosophy, or a deeper insight into the illusions crafted by our own minds? Descartes' meditations prompted us to doubt our senses and the very nature of reality, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, our lives are nothing but elaborate deceptions.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

You can also check out the new YouTube channel!

Music in this Episode

• Ghost by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Steppin Into by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Lilywhite by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com