Chiara Marletto, author of 'The Science of Can and Can't,' discusses Constructor Theory, a departure from traditional physics, focusing on counterfactuals and epistemology. The podcast explores genetic resilience in DNA, mutations' role in adaptation, and the evolution of knowledge. It delves into the significance of counterfactuals in science and the transition to constructor theory in physics.
Constructor theory emphasizes the importance of counterfactuals in scientific understanding.
Knowledge creation through conjecture and criticism is essential for progress in civilization.
Evolutionary principles illustrate the resilience of biological adaptations under intentional design.
Deep dives
Constructor Theory: A New Lens into Understanding Reality
Constructor theory introduces a new approach to understanding reality scientifically, emphasizing the importance of counterfactuals. By exploring complex entities' resilience under 'no design laws,' the theory sheds light on how systems can maintain themselves in an ever-changing environment. It highlights the significance of knowledge creation, biological adaptations, and the role of information in preserving civilization's existence.
The Role of Knowledge and Resilience in Civilization
Knowledge, characterized as resilient information, plays a vital role in civilization's resilience and progress. Stories from ancient Greek myth and literature illustrate the importance of knowledge in maintaining complex systems. By explaining how knowledge creation begins with a problem and progresses through conjecture and criticism, constructor theory emphasizes the continuous improvement of theories and works of art.
Evolutionary Theory and Counterfactual Properties
Evolution by natural selection, as described by Darwin's theory, demonstrates how biological adaptations arise in the absence of intentional design. Constructor theory highlights the resilience embedded in DNA patterns and biological knowledge, showcasing how living organisms withstand the test of time. Moreover, the theory connects evolutionary principles to counterfactual ideas, emphasizing the importance of replicable information in sustaining life.
Constructing Knowledge and Solving Problems
The process of creating new knowledge through conjecture and criticism is central to constructor theory, paralleling the evolutionary process of natural selection. By addressing problems and seeking solutions, individuals generate new insights and improve existing theories or works of art. The theory highlights the fallible nature of knowledge and the value of error correction in advancing understanding and creativity.
The Significance of Counterfactuals in Storytelling and Physics
Stories like the myth of Theseus demonstrate the essential role of counterfactual properties in conveying full meanings and understanding complex scenarios. Constructor theory emphasizes the necessity of considering what could have happened, not just what does happen, in understanding physical systems. It opens up new avenues in physics by moving beyond traditional dynamical laws towards exploring what possibilities could unfold in reality, underpinning a broader perspective on scientific explanation.
This is the first episode in a new series devoted to an entirely new book: “The Science of Can and Can’t” by Chiara Marletto. Get the book anywhere ebooks are available (as of May, 2021) and learn more about Chiara and her work here: https://www.chiaramarletto.com
This book is an amazing work. It presents for the lay reader an introduction to “Constructor Theory” without losing any scientific or philosophical rigour. In this first episode, I explain the motivation for Constructor Theory as a departure from the traditional conception of physics as being about “dynamical laws”. For the first time in science, Constructor Theory attempts to provide a way of creating physical theories about counterfactuals. We go some way to exploring what a counterfactual is and at this early stage of the series outline a sketch of where the constructor theory approach may be found useful. This episode constitutes the first part of chapter 1. It covers some of the philosophy of counterfactuals and the application of constructor theory to epistemology. Discussion of the physics will be left to episode 2.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
