Ep 7. Is Reality Real?

In the episode "Is Reality Real?" of the popular science documentary series Through the Wormhole, host Morgan Freeman leads viewers on a deep dive into the fundamental nature of our reality. The episode explores questions that have been posed by physicists, philosophers, and theologians for centuries: Is the world simply an illusion, a projection of our own minds? Or is there an objective, external reality that exists independently of our perception?

To investigate these questions, the episode showcases some of the most cutting-edge research and theories in the fields of quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and philosophy. Freeman interviews a number of experts, ranging from theoretical physicists like Eugene Wigner and John Wheeler, to neuroscientists like Christof Koch and David Eagleman, to philosophers like David Chalmers and Nick Bostrom.

The episode begins with a look into the strange world of quantum mechanics, where particles can exist in multiple states at once and seemingly paradoxical events can occur, such as particles being "entangled" across vast distances. Some scientists, including Wigner, have suggested that these phenomena point to the possibility that reality itself is dependent on the observer – that is, that the act of observation is what collapses the wave function and determines the outcome of a quantum measurement. This idea is known as the "observer effect," and it has profound implications for our understanding of reality.

Moving on to the realm of neuroscience, the episode explores the idea that our perception of reality is actually constructed by our brains – that what we experience as a coherent, external world is actually a kind of virtual reality created by our neural networks. Koch, who has studied the neural correlates of consciousness extensively, posits that there may be a set of fundamental "building blocks" of consciousness that underlie our experience of reality. Similarly, Eagleman suggests that our brains are constantly "filling in the gaps" of our perception, using past experiences and expectations to construct a coherent picture of the world.

Finally, the episode examines the intriguing possibility that our reality may in fact be a simulation, created by an advanced civilization with technology far beyond our own. This idea, first popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom in 2003, is based on the assumption that it is possible to simulate an entire universe within a computer. If this is the case, then it is statistically likely that we are living in one of those simulations rather than in the "real" universe.

Throughout the episode, Freeman provides context and commentary on these various ideas, often posing new questions and challenges to the experts he interviews. His approach is both engaging and accessible, providing viewers with a sense of excitement and wonder at the mysteries of our universe.

Ultimately, "Is Reality Real?" offers a thought-provoking exploration of some of the most fundamental questions we can ask about ourselves and the world around us. Whether you are a physicist, a philosopher, or simply a curious layperson, this episode is sure to stimulate your mind and leave you pondering the nature of reality long after the credits have rolled.