Episode
#74 What If You're Still Dreaming? - Michael Huemer
- Podcast
- The Uncertainty Podcast
- Published
- Mar 5, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4500
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Michael Huemer returns to the channel to discuss arguments for and against skepticism, the thesis that we cannot know much of anything, including whether or not we are dreaming right now. Other topics discussed: direct realism about perception and the arguments from illusion and hallucination, phenomenal conservatism, and the costs and benefits of self-publishing.Video of this interview is available on YouTube . To support the channel, do please oh please consider donating, either via PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee . Follow me on X-formerly-Twitter . EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:44 What got Michael into self-publishing? 00:08:35 How do I know I'm not dreaming right now? 00:21:46 The argument for external world skepticism 00:26:57 A critique of phenomenal conservatism 00:32:29 Is a "real external world" the best explanation of our evidence? 00:46:00 Direct versus indirect perceptual realism 00:51:08 The argument from illusion 00:56:11 The argument from hallucination 01:03:05 Can we know we're not in a simulation? 01:12:01 The problem of other minds Get full access to Miles K. Donahue at mileskdonahue.substack.com/subscribe