Is There a Multiverse?

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If we have a theory which applies at the extreme conditions where inflation occurs, that will tell us whether Linde's assumptions are correct. And if we had a string theory that was validated by observations, then the idea of the multiverse would then be in the same epistemological state as talking about the inside of a black hole now. Although it is now speculative because we don't have any firm physical understanding of this tiny, tiny factor of a second where all the action was, we may well have that. So I think we've got to be able to mind it about it.

Shermer and Rees discuss: existential threats • overpopulation • biodiversity loss • climate change • AI and self-driving cars, robots, and unemployment • his bet with Steven Pinker • his disagreement with Richard Dawkins • how science works as a communal activity • scientific creativity • science communication • science education • why there aren’t more women and people of color in STEM fields • verification vs. falsification • Bayesian reasoning and scientific progress • Model Dependent Realism and the nature of reality Fermi’s Paradox • why he’s an atheist but wants to be buried in the Presbyterian church in which he was raised • mysterian mysteries.

Martin Rees is Astronomer Royal, former President of the Royal Society, Fellow (and former Master) of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge. He sits as a member of the UK House of Lords. He is the author of many bestselling popular science books, including: On the Future; Just Six Numbers; Before the Beginning; and Our Final Hour. His newest book is If Science is to Save Us.