<p>Donald Hoffman is a cognitive scientist and professor at the University &nbsp;of California, Irvine with an interest in the nature of consciousness. &nbsp;His interface theory of perception postulates that our everyday &nbsp;experience of space, time and physical objects is a 'user interface' &nbsp;constructed within our minds. Objects of perception experienced within &nbsp;this interface are simplified representations of a much deeper reality. &nbsp;</p> <p>In his theory of Conscious Realism, the reality beyond our 'user &nbsp;interface' is a reality of consciousness organised into an infinite network of 'Conscious Agents' of which we are all a part. This reality &nbsp;of conscious agents exists outside of space and time.&nbsp;</p> <p>In this episode we &nbsp;discuss his theories and what their possible implications are if they turn out to be correct. &nbsp;Donald is but one of a growing number of scientists, philosophers and &nbsp;public intellectuals who are starting to take seriously the notion that &nbsp;consciousness is more than the product of brain activity and may be a &nbsp;fundamental feature of, or the very nature of, the universe itself.</p>