Alex Rosenberg and Samir Okasha - Atheism and Reality

We can't avoid the persistent questions about the meaning of life - and the nature of reality. Philosopher Alex Rosenberg maintains that science is the only thing that can really answer them - all of them. His new book, The Atheist's Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life Without Illusions, takes physics seriously as the complete description of reality and accepts all its consequences. He shows how physics makes Darwinian natural selection the only way life can emerge, and how that deprives nature of purpose, and human action of meaning, while it exposes conscious illusions such as free will and the self. The science that makes us nonbelievers provides the insight into the real difference between right and wrong, the nature of the mind, even the direction of human history.

Alex is in discussion with Professor Samir Okasha, University of Bristol, author of Evolution and Levels of Selection and Philosophy of Science: a Very Short Introduction, and Julian Baggini, author of The Ego Trick: What Does it Mean to be Human .

This Festival of Ideas event is part of a regular series of live discussions with Julian Baggini recorded at Foyles for the microphilosophy podcast series.

Venue: Upstairs at Foyles, Cabot Circus, Bristol
Tickets: Free but pre-booking is essential. To reserve a place go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2783875647. Please note that you will need to print out your ticket and present this on the door to gain entry.