Be it in the stars, in tea leaves, or in our naming of the botanical world, humans are drawn to finding patterns everywhere. Many of these are hugely valuable, finding our way about depends after all on recognising patterns, but our attachment to pattern can also limit creativity. And worse, it can encourage tribal thinking, bigotry, witch hunts, and conspiracy theories.
Should we we break free of our desire for pattern? If we were less attached to our set ways of thinking and more open to new patterns would we become more creative and more fulfilled? Or is pattern necessary both to our personal lives and society, and without which we would face a chaotic and threatening world?
Renowned professor Quassim Cassam, cutting-edge brain expert Lisa Feldman Barrett and post-postrealist philosopher and Closure theorist Hilary Lawson debate the very fabric of reality. Maria Balaska hosts.
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