Erik Verlinde is Professor of Physics in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam, where he specializes in quantum gravity and string theory, black holes, and cosmology. In this episode, Erik and Robinson discuss his studies with the Nobel laureate Gerard ’t Hooft, black holes, the holographic principle, string theory, entropic gravity, and dark matter.

OUTLINE

00:00 In This Episode…

00:51 Introduction

02:16 Studying with Gerard ‘t Hooft

13:33 How Do Black Holes Connect Quantum Theory and General Relativity?

20:57 Why Are Black Holes the Most Symmetric Objects in the Universe

24:10 How Do You Measure a Black Hole’s Entropy?

30:32 What Is The Holographic Principle in Physics?

44:17 What is String Theory and What Does It Teach Us About Black Holes?

01:04:49 What Is Entropic Gravity? 

01:24:09 What’s the Connection Between String Theory and Quantum Mechanics?

01:29:33 Entropic Gravity and General Relativity

01:40:32 Does Entropic Gravity Explain Dark Matter?

01:47:50 The Present and Future of Emergent Gravity

Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.