THOMAS NAGEL: the mind and the universe

This episode explores the nature of philosophy, consciousness, and the intersection of subjective experience with objective morality, featuring a conversation between Peter Singer and Thomas Nagel. The discussion begins with Nagel's introduction to philosophy and his path to becoming a philosopher, highlighting the influence of teachers like John Rawls. Against the backdrop of Nagel's seminal essay, "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?", the conversation delves into the challenges of understanding consciousness across different species and the implications for utilitarianism, particularly concerning animal welfare. More significantly, the discussion examines Nagel's controversial book, *Mind and Cosmos*, and his critique of materialistic neo-Darwinism, exploring alternative perspectives on the relationship between the physical and mental aspects of reality. For instance, the conversation touches upon the implications of Nagel's views for assessing the relative suffering of different animals, including the debate over boiling lobsters alive. Finally, the discussion concludes with reflections on the tension between impartial moral reasoning and the importance of personal perspectives in living a well-lived life, leaving listeners to ponder the ongoing debate between objective and subjective viewpoints in ethics.