This course is part of the Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning Specialization

Offered By

Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning SpecializationDartmouth College

About this Course

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This course explores questions about mathematics, nature, and perfection. 
You will learn about logic, computers, simulations, and different perspectives on the nature of human consciousness. 
You will also be able to determine what free will means to you and your reality. Next, you will learn the features of artificial intelligence and understand if it is possible to mimic the complexity of a brain through a machine.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Course 3 of 3 in the

Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 3 of 3 in the

Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Marcelo Gleiser

Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Physics and Astronomy

794 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

Dartmouth College

Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world’s greatest academic institutions. Dartmouth has forged a singular identity for combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship in the Arts and Sciences and its four leading graduate schools—the Geisel School of Medicine, the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

3 hours to complete

Module 1: Mind Part I

3 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 48 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

9 videos

Introduction to Question Reality3mIntrodução do Curso em Português3mIs Mathematics Discovered or Invented?6mIs Math Reading the Mind of God?3mIs Mathematics Really Perfect?4mComputers and the Mind3mDo We Live in a Simulation?5mA Conversation with Adina Roskies: Do We Live in a Simulation?2mModule 1 Wrap-Up Video14m

8 readings

Welcome Reading3mModule 1 Reading List20mMathematics Intro5mMathematical Blueprint2mComputers and the Mind Intro2mSimulating the Universe1mChallenge Questions: Directions30mWhat Do You Know Now?2m

1 practice exercise

Mind: Part 1 Quiz30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Module 2: Mind Part II

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 54 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

8 videos

Brain and Consciousness6mConversation with Adina Roskies: Mind Body Problem7mConversation with Peter Tse: Consciousness4mConversation with Peter Tse: Mind-Body Problem4mWhat Is The Nature Of Free Will?8mConversation with Margaret Graver: Free Will and Lucretius8mConversation with Adina Roskies: Free Will4mConversation with Peter Tse: Free Will9m

2 readings

Consciousness Introduction5mFree Will Introduction5m

1 practice exercise

Mind: Part 2 Graded Assessment30m

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Module 3: Mind Part III

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 40 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

About the Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning Specialization

How much can we know of the physical world? Can we know everything? Or are there fundamental limits to how much we can explain? If there are limits, to what extent can we explain the nature of physical reality? RealityX investigates the limits of knowledge and what we can and cannot know of the world and ourselves.

We will trace the evolution of ideas about the nature of reality in philosophy and the natural sciences through the ages. Starting with the philosophers of Ancient Greece and ending with cutting edge theories about the universe, quantum physics, and the nature of consciousness. Join world-renowned physicist and author Marcelo Gleiser and leading experts as we explore how philosophers and physicists from Plato to Einstein and many others have attempted to explain the nature of the world and of reality.

Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Question Reality: Mind

About this Course