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Episode details

Radio 4,14 Oct 2025,28 mins

Consciousness

Beyond Belief

Available for over a year

Giles Fraser explores Dr. Iain McGilchrist鈥檚 brain hemisphere theory, which argues that the left and right hemispheres of the brain perceive the world in radically different ways鈥攁nd that modern society has become dangerously dominated by the left hemisphere鈥檚 analytical, fragmented, and controlling mode of thought. He describes how the two hemispheres of the brain perceive reality in fundamentally different ways. The left hemisphere, he argues, sees a fragmented, abstract world鈥攆ocused on control and acquisition鈥攚hile the right hemisphere perceives a flowing, interconnected reality, rich in context, meaning, and mystery. We unpack this theory with our panel of experts: Dr. Philip Goff, philosopher and professor at Durham University. Philip is known for his work in panpsychism, a philosophical view which proposes that consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of the universe鈥攏ot just something that emerges from complex brains, but something that may be present even at the level of basic matter. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind and the nature of consciousness. Canon Dr. Joanna Collicutt, psychologist and theologian from the University of Oxford. Joanna brings a unique perspective that bridges psychology, spirituality, and pastoral care鈥攅xploring how religious experience shapes and is shaped by the human mind. And Professor Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist and a leading figure in the emerging field of neurotheology鈥攚hich explores the relationship between brain function and religious or spiritual experience. Andrew is Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in the United States. Also on the programme, The Sacred podcaster Elizabeth Oldfield, shares a powerful spiritual experience鈥攐ne that defied easy explanation and left a lasting imprint on her spiritual life. Beyond Belief is a 麻豆社 Audio North production for Radio 4. Presenter: Giles Fraser Producer: Bara'atu Ibrahim Assistant Producer: Jay Behrouzi & Linda Walker Editor: Tim Pemberton

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