From StarTalk.

Is your consciousness a quantum phenomenon? Is the universe one predetermined block? Neil deGrasse Tyson and cohosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly answer grab bag questions about quantum theory, the cosmological constant, and retrocausality with astrophysicist Charles Liu.

We explore a question about the Big Rip, quarks, and whether tearing the universe apart could spark a brand-new Big Bang. We break down why phantom energy would be required, what dark energy might be, and why current observations suggest the universe probably won’t rip itself to shreds even though we still don’t know what 95% of the cosmos actually is. Could the cosmological constant be changing over time?

Can light help us reconcile relativity and quantum mechanics? We discuss the work of Jacob Barandes at Harvard and whether the "duality" of light is the lynchpin to a unified theory. Are today’s mathematical tools just placeholders for physical phenomena? Questions about retrocausality, block time, and whether the universe already exists in full spark reflections on science fiction, free will, and the experiments we can’t yet perform. Could extra dimensions provide a mathematical loophole for the laws of physics?

We confront quantum consciousness head-on. Is consciousness rooted in quantum mechanics? Could it persist beyond physical change or even death? We explore philosophical perspectives on Penrose’s ideas, AI consciousness, digital copies of the self, and why “I don’t know” remains the most powerful phrase in science. Along the way: pseudoscience, vaccines, human ignorance, collective behavior, spiritual experiences, and a final reminder that curiosity is what moves us forward.

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Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Charles Liu
04:07 – Is There an Infinite Quark Glitch with the Big Rip?
14:56 – Is Light the Key to Joining Quantum and Relativity?
20:23 – Are We in a Predetermined Block Universe?
27:43 – Quantum Entanglement Through Other Dimensions
34:18 – Is Consciousness the Result of Quantum Physics?
45:25 – Is There Scientific Basis for an Afterlife?
49:12 – Uploading Consciousness
58:03 – Examples of Scientific Ignorance
01:08:11 – Chuck’s Experience Being One with the Universe

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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