In Chapter 12 of Irreducible, Mark and Jeremy confront one of the book’s hardest ideas: that consciousness can’t be explained by equations or code.They trace how probability, prediction, and mathematics fall short of describing a universe that is always becoming. Meaning comes before symbols, and knowing comes before measurement. If the physical world is only an average of quantum states, then comprehension itself is a creative act.The discussion moves from the illusion of probability to the difference between simulation and emulation, asking what it really means to know. This is not a rejection of science, it’s a reminder that consciousness might be the missing variable.The closer we get to defining reality, the less certain we are that it can ever be defined.Please enjoy the show. -- Chapters (00:00) Why consciousness vs physics matters (02:15) “Becoming”: a universe that’s still unfolding(03:03) What “live information” really means(05:51) Probability isn't real(07:43) Creativity & AI: making vs. remixing (09:24) Meaning vs. syntax: why symbols alone aren’t enough (17:13) Are you an Observer or actor? Your role in quantum reality (21:55) Reverse engineering anxiety and happiness(27:09) Flow state: the texture of the present (31:05) Simulated minds vs. emulated minds (32:12) Consider our minds blown.--Follow and support Thinking On Paper:PODCAST: https://www.thinkingonpaper.xyz/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingonpaperpodcast/--Thank you. And we love you.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.