What makes consciousness such a vexing problem for scientists and philosophers? While just about everyone agrees that the hard problem seems hard, many researchers — especially within the physicalist camp …
At least two studies have pitted AIs (using large language model technology) against the New York Times weekly “Ethicist” column — and the chatbots seem to do just fine. Is …
An ambitious new telescope — equipped with the world’s largest digital camera — will scan the skies from a mountaintop in Chile, providing new insights into supernovae, asteroids, and more. …
Quantum mechanics is often thought of as inherently probabilistic — but some physicists see the theory differently. In fact, some argue that quantum mechanics is even more deterministic than its …
Ehe English astronomer Edmond Halley is best remembered for predicting the return of the comet that now bears his name — but he also did important work in geophysics, mapped …
Influential philosopher Daniel C. Dennett died earlier this year. Reading his works, one gets the impression of a mind jammed to the rafters with ideas. As Richard Dawkins put it …
Although Stonehenge is more famous, numerous stone circles and other Neolithic monuments abound in the north of Scotland. Perhaps the clearest glimpse into the lives of these Neolithic stonemasons can …
Tidal and wave energy may be the largest untapped resources of renewable energy on the planet. But will they work? There is no question that the planet’s oceans contain enormous …
A new declaration, signed by dozens of biologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers, points to a “realistic possibility” of consciousness in reptiles, amphibians, fishes, certain mollusks, crustaceans, and insects. The New York Declaration …
