Step into a fast-moving, mind-opening day of dialogue at the intersection of science, philosophy, and consciousness. Frontiers of Knowledge brings together some of the most original and influential thinkers of our time to explore how emerging discoveries are transforming our understanding of reality—and ourselves. This one-day symposium, conceived by Candice Olson and co-produced by Aspen Public Radio, Center for MINDS, the California Institute of Integral Studies, and the Mays Family Foundation, takes place at the historic Wheeler Opera House in the heart of Aspen.
The day begins with Brian Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, and Jude Currivan as they guide us through The Journey of the Universe—a sweeping story of cosmic emergence that reawakens wonder and situates humanity within a deeply interconnected, evolving cosmos. In conversation with Candice Olson, Bruce Damer and Matthew David Segall dive into new insights about the origin of life, blending cutting-edge scientific hypotheses with philosophical inquiry that bridges biology and consciousness.
After lunch, Richard Tarnas and Iain McGilchrist take the stage for a compelling dialogue on the Western mind’s journey, brain hemispheres, and the possibilities for restoring coherence in our fractured cultural and cognitive systems. In the afternoon, David Abram reflects on the more-than-human world and how the animate Earth invites us back into relationship, followed by Jeff Kripal and Jake Sherman exploring revolutionary perspectives in consciousness studies that challenge materialist assumptions and open the door to a participatory universe.
Each session will include moderated discussions and live audience Q&A. Facilitators include Andrew Davis, Sam Kimbriel, and Candice Olson, each bringing their own philosophical expertise and insight to the day’s conversations.
Speakers for 2025 also include: David Abram, acclaimed ecologist and author of The Spell of the Sensuous; Jeff Kripal, leading scholar of comparative religion and author of The Flip; Jake Sherman, Chair of Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness at CIIS; Andrew Davis, research director at the Center for Process Studies; and Sam Kimbriel, founding director of the Aspen Institute’s Philosophy & Society Initiative.
The day concludes with optional attendance at the Patron’s Dinner at Sant Ambroeus, offering a rare opportunity to dine and converse with the symposium’s speakers in an intimate setting.
Tickets are $100 for the full day, with a 25% discount for attendees under 40 (in person). Remote tickets are also available, and will include Q&A as well as post-event recordings. Symposium + Dinner passes are $350; full tables are available. Tickets can be purchased at aspenshowtix.com. Complimentary copies of Journey of the Universe will be available for all ticket holders while supplies last.
Join us for a gathering that promises not only to expand your thinking, but to reconnect you with the awe and possibility of being alive at this moment in history.
