LIVE from the NYPL

What methods can we use to answer life's most fundamental questions? In his book Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking, philosopher Daniel C. Dennett offers a cognitive toolbox filled with novel discussions of familiar moves—Occam’s Razor, reductio ad absurdum— and the “imagination extenders and focus-holders” that he and others have developed for dealing with the most treacherous subject matter: evolution, meaning, mind, and free will. He is joined in conversation by fellow philosopher Jim Holt, whose recent work Why Does the World Exist: An Existential Detective Story New York Magazine calls "a ridiculously good book about the world’s most intractable question." 

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In celebration of National Geographic’s 125th anniversary theme, The New Age of Exploration, photographers and explorers reveal the physical, personal, and political perils involved in pushing the boundaries of discovery and bearing witness. The evening will start with presentations from Dr. Kenny Broad, cave diver, environmental anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer who searches for new freshwater reserves; and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Dr. Zoltan Takacs, a herpetologist/toxinologist who studies the healing potential of toxic venoms. A discussion moderated by Ann Curry will follow about the risks of documenting war, conflict, and human rights issues with award-winning National Geographic photojournalists Lynsey Addario and James Nachtwey.

Presented by RBC.

From his earliest work, Matthew Barney has explored the transcendence of physical limitations within an interdisciplinary art practice. Even an examination of his work within one medium -- as is the case with Subliming Vessel: The Drawings of Matthew Barney, The Morgan Library & Museum's new exhibition devoted to the artist's works on paper and Rizzoli's new book by the same name  -- reveals the complexity of his creative vision.

In an evening inspired by the release of the book Cook it Raw, Momofuku's David Chang welcomes fellow chefs Massimo Bottura and Daniel Patterson for a conversation with Cook It Raw founder Alessandro Porcelli and moderated by journalist Lisa Abend.

Dan Savage, author of the sex-advice column "Savage Love" and creator of the Emmy-winning "It Gets Better" campaign, has become a leading voice in debates about social issues that affect Americans from coast to coast. In his new book American Savage, he covers topics such as health care, gun control, marriage equality, religion, and parenting. Dan Savage will take the stage at the New York Public Library to discuss a wide range of issues with his signature frankness, honesty, and wit.

To coincide with The New York Public Library's exhibition “Back Tomorrow: Federico Garcia Lorca / Poet in New York,” this special installment of LIVE from the NYPL celebrates Lorca's life and legacy.

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