32. Transhumanism, Emergentism, and Normativity (w/ Raymond de Oliveira)

Raymond de Oliveira joins Brendan to discuss the value in the Universe, whether it emerges from the logic of reality itself or is arbitrarily chosen, whether existence is inherently of value, nihilism and Buddhism, the QRI grand narrative of replicators vs. consciousness, the role of suffering in wisdom, and the "Three Realms" of conscious experience.0:00 Introduction1:43 From Is to Ought?9:17 Is Life a Net Negative? Utilitarianism, Gnosticism, Transhumanism22:30 Dual-Aspect Monism and Suffering25:52 Is Consciousness Worth It?31:00 Teleology and Agency32:58 Fighting a Meme War against Potential Gods36:50 Values and Vows40:03 The Law of Choice42:36 Is Wisdom Earned by Suffering?Nihilism and the Truth of Silenus? Get full access to Brendan Graham Dempsey at brendangrahamdempsey.substack.com/subscribe