Playwright Tom Stoppard in Conversation with Cognitive Scientist David Chalmers about “The Hard Problem”—or Why a Subjective Inner Life Exists

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia presented playwright Tom Stoppard and cognitive scientist David Chalmers in conversation about “the hard problem”—or why a subjective inner life exists—livestreamed on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 14 December at 4:30 p.m. PST (Los Angeles) / 6:30 p.m. CST (Chicago) / 7:30 p.m. EST (New York).

In Twitter, use #howlround to engage.

The Wilma Theater invites audience members to join us on Monday, December 14, 2015 for a conversation between Tony Award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Rock ’n’ Roll) and philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers, moderated by Elisabeth Camp, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University.

David Chalmers coined the phrase “the hard problem” to describe “the largest outstanding obstacle in our quest for a scientific understanding of the universe”: why a subjective inner life exists. In their first public appearance together, Stoppard and Chalmers will discuss whether science will ever truly crack “the hard problem.” This is the driving concept behind Stoppard’s new play, The Hard Problem, which will run at the Wilma from January 6 through February 6, 2016. 

The Hard Problem—Tom Stoppard’s first new play since Rock ’n’ Roll introduces us to Hilary, a 22-year-old psychology student applying for a coveted position with the Krohl Institute for Brain Science. As Hilary prays for strength to move beyond personal regrets, she passionately explores the blurred lines between science and psychology with her colleagues and her sometimes-lover Spike. Ethics are called into question as they delve into “the hard problem” of consciousness versus gray matter, and debate whether altruism even exists. Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre in London, the Wilma—“synonymous with Tom Stoppard in Philadelphia” (Metro)—is proud to be among the first to bring The Hard Problem to United States audiences. 

The Wilma Theater creates living, adventurous art. We engage artists and audiences in imaginative reflection on the complexities of contemporary life. We present bold, original, well-crafted productions that represent a range of voices, viewpoints, and styles.

About HowlRound TV

HowlRound TV is a global, commons-based peer produced, open access livestreaming and video archive project stewarded by the nonprofit HowlRound. HowlRound TV is a free and shared resource for live conversations and performances relevant to the world's performing arts and cultural fields. Its mission is to break geographic isolation, promote resource sharing, and to develop our knowledge commons collectively. Participate in a community of peer organizations revolutionizing the flow of information, knowledge, and access in our field by becoming a producer and co-producing with us. Learn more by going to our participate page. For any other queries, email [email protected], or call Vijay Mathew at +1 917.686.3185 Signal/WhatsApp. View the video archive of past events.