Can your theory of consciousness determine your answers to the biggest questions in philosophy, science, and religion — AI sentience, life after death, free will, personal identity? Robert Lawrence Kuhn presents his landmark taxonomy of consciousness theories — spanning materialism, quantum theories, information, panpsychism, dualism, idealism, and more — and argues that every serious question about mind and perhaps even about existence depends on which theory you hold. Recorded at the 7th Woodenfish Forum on Buddhism, Science & Future ("Rewriting Reincarnation in the Light of Frontier Biotechnology"), held at The Grand Hotel, Taipei, June 5–7, 2026, and introduced by the forum's founder, Venerable Dr. Yifa. Robert Lawrence Kuhn is the creator, producer, writer, and host of _Closer To Truth,_ the long-running PBS series and global resource on cosmos, consciousness, and meaning. He holds a PhD in anatomy and brain research from UCLA and is the author of "A Landscape of Consciousness: Toward a Taxonomy of Explanations and Implications," editor-in-chief of the Landscape of Consciousness website, which currently catalogues nearly 450 theories of consciousness. The Landscape of Consciousness website: https://loc.closertotruth.com/ Venerable Dr. Yifa is the founder and director of the Woodenfish Foundation, an international, nonsectarian nonprofit dedicated to building a global network of ethical and compassionate leaders. A Yale-educated Buddhist nun and Associate at the Harvard University Asia Center, she has appeared on Closer To Truth exploring Buddhist philosophy. The Woodenfish Forum on Buddhism, Science & Future was founded by Venerable Dr. Yifa with the aspiration of engaging Buddhist thought through the lens of scientific inquiry. The 2026 forum brought together leading scientists, philosophers, and religious thinkers to explore reincarnation, consciousness, and the ethics of frontier biotechnology. Subscribe to Closer To Truth: https://www.youtube.com/@CloserToTruthTV Join the Community: Membership (5,000+ videos): https://closertotruth.com/register/ Audio Podcast: https://closertotruth.podbean.com Support the Show: https://closertotruth.com/donate/ Official Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/closertotruth/ Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloserToTruthTV/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertotruth/ X: https://x.com/CloserToTruth
