Frontiers of Knowledge Conference
Saturday 13th September 2025 ¦ 9am to 5pm
Join us for a fast-moving, mind-blowing, and game-changing day, engaging with internationally-acclaimed scientists and scholars sharing and debating the implications of discoveries in cosmology, the origin of life, neuroscience, quantum physics, altered states of consciousness — and how these implications change everything
Schedule: September 13, 2025 | 9am-5pm
9:00am: Welcome and Introductory Remarks
9:15am: “The Journey of the Universe” with Brian Thomas Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, and Jude Currivan
As one reviewer of Journey of the Universe wrote, “the co-authors managed to fit 14 billion years of grandeur along with humanity’s most fundamental questions into small spaces…” Go on the ride of a lifetime, from the beginning of this universe to the present, with each chapter—atoms, stars, galaxies, plants, animals, and humans all making their dramatic appearance, each expressing the unfolding intelligence of the cosmic process. Learn how quantum physics unveils a more deeply interconnected universe in which mind and matter cannot be understood as separate, and in which humanity is called to step into a wider and deeper perspective and sense of care.
Following initial remarks, Brian Swimme will moderate a discussion between the panelists, and facilitate audience Q&A.
11:00am: “The Origin of Life” with Bruce Damer and Matthew David Segall
Dr. Bruce Damer, an origin of life scientist, has helped develop a leading hypothesis on life’s emergence—a model that moves beyond simplistic “lightning strikes primordial soup” scenarios toward processes involving community dynamics and emergent complexity. His collaborator, process philosopher Matt Segall, places this empirical research in a cosmological context that allows us to understand how consciousness and agency evolved. Together, they exemplify a paradigm shift across scientific disciplines that transcends traditional boundaries between physics, chemistry, and biology while addressing both the “how” and “why” of life’s origins—a collaboration where empirical investigation and metaphysical inquiry integrate to form a more complete understanding of our cosmic story.
Following initial remarks, Candice Olson will moderate a discussion between the panelists and facilitate audience Q&A.
1:30pm: “Mind, Brain and the Unfinished Journey of the Western Mind” with Iain McGilchrist and Richard Tarnas
Richard Tarnas, author of the acclaimed and highly entertaining work on Western intellectual and cultural history, reveals the profound richness of our heritage even as our civilization seems to be falling off-course. Tarnas draws from both traditional and contemporary sources that can help us rediscover a sense of wonder and belonging in a fragmented world. Psychiatrist and philosopher Iain McGilchrist extends Tarnas’ narrative by exploring the hemispheres of our brain and how they evolved to afford us different ways of being in the world. McGilchrist demonstrates how these complementary ways of engaging with reality, when properly balanced, foster both our sense of wholeness and our remarkable problem-solving abilities.
Following initial remarks, Andrew Davis will moderate a discussion between the panelists and facilitate audience Q&A.
3:15pm: “The More-Than-Human World” with David Abram
Described as “daring” and “truly original” by the journal Science, as “revolutionary” by the Los Angeles Times, David Abram was the first contemporary philosopher to advocate for a reappraisal of indigenous “animism” as a complexly nuanced and uniquely viable worldview— alongside a broadening understanding of consciousness—catalyzing a complex reassessment now underway in many disciplines. In this talk, David will elaborate on his phrase “the more-than-human world” to speak of nature as a realm that thoroughly includes humankind, yet one that necessarily exceeds humankind; the phrase has now been taken up worldwide within the broad movement for ecological sanity.
Following initial remarks, Candice Olson will moderate a discussion between the panelists and facilitate audience Q&A.
3:45pm: “Consciousness and the New Worldview” with Jeff Kripal and Jacob Sherman
Pioneering scholars Jeff Kripal and Jake Sherman invite us into a profound exploration of consciousness that challenges brain-bound theories. As the field of consciousness studies experiences unprecedented expansion—with over 100 theories now in academic circulation—these visionaries examine how our conception of consciousness is undergoing radical transformation. More theorists are taking seriously the possibility that consciousness is a pervasive feature of existence—not confined to human minds, but extending throughout the non-human world. The speakers articulate how this emerging paradigm suggests consciousness is participatory in nature, weaving humans into an intimate relationship with our earthly companions and the broader cosmic community.
Following initial remarks, Sam Kimbriel will moderate a discussion between the panelists and facilitate audience Q&A.
4:30pm: Closing Remarks
5:00pm: Patron’s Dinner at Sant Ambroeus