Do big ideas in cosmology, physics and metaphysics have practical significance? Maybe so. As a starter case, let's consider a big idea in metaphysics -- the Doctrine of the Many. In the vicinity of every screaming person there are a multitude of screaming, person-like things. Would this mean that every episode of suffering is much, much worse than we ordinarily think (we ordinarily think there is one thing suffering, but there are many)? I guess you will be inclined to answer no. The question is why. I have a proposal.

*Note unusual location: Seminar Room A*