HeyJaredThe Thinking Abyss: Philosophy and Science
The Thinking Abyss explores profound questions at the intersection of philosophy, science, and human experience.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 18
- Latest publication
- Sep 7, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 9, 2026
Latest episodes
The Surprising Science of Habit Formation (opens the original)
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A new study challenges the long-held idea that habits form only through gradual repetition. Researchers found evidence that the brain may be able to switch behaviors into "autopilot" far more quickly than previously believed. The findings could reshape how we think about habit formation—and how unwanted habits might be changed. This episode includes AI-generated content.
What If Nobody Could Lie for a Year? (opens the original)
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Imagine a world where nobody could tell a lie for an entire year. How would relationships, politics, business, and everyday life change if every uncomfortable truth had to be spoken? This thought experiment explores the surprising consequences of radical honesty and asks whether a society built on complete transparency would be better—or simply more complicated. This episode includes AI-generated content.
Scientists Challenge a 70-Year Theory About How Language Works (opens the original)
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A new study suggests that the foundation of human language may be rooted not primarily in emotion, but in the communication of safety and survival. Using a quantitative framework called ousiometry, researchers analyzed billions of words and found that meaning appears to organize around three core dimensions: power, danger, and order. The findings challenge decades of linguistic theory, arguing that humanity’s tendency toward positive language may reflect a biological drive to signal stability ra
What If the Self Is Only a Cognitive Illusion? (opens the original)
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What if the self is not a fixed entity but a cognitive illusion created by the brain? Drawing on neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology, this episode explores evidence that personal identity may emerge from countless interacting processes rather than a single, enduring “I.” From neurological disorders and decision-making experiments to meditation and artificial intelligence, the discussion challenges one of humanity’s deepest assumptions: that there is a permanent self at the center of conscio
The Hidden Human Need for Purpose, Identity, and Symbolism (opens the original)
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Human beings have always created gods, ideologies, and symbolic systems to give meaning to existence and protect themselves from the chaos of an indifferent universe. Ancient religions helped explain suffering, strengthen morality, and unite civilizations, while modern societies increasingly turn to nationalism, politics, technology, and consumer culture for the same psychological purpose. The discussion explores how humans are deeply driven by narrative, often valuing emotionally comforting bel
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