Part-Time Genius Exploring Alien Science with Daniel Whiteson!
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Nov 4, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and author of *Do Aliens Speak Physics?*, dives into the fascinating intersections of physics and extraterrestrial life. He explores how pondering alien communication can reveal much about our own understanding of science and the universe. Topics include the universality of physics, the cultural influences on scientific practice, and whether mathematics is human-made or a cosmic constant. Whiteson also reflects on sci-fi's role in shaping our perceptions of alien science.
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Science As A Universal Inquiry
- Science asks universal questions that may be pursued by beings beyond Earth.
- Daniel Whiteson studies data and statistics to squeeze more information from particle collisions.
Physics: Human Lens Or Universal Map?
- Our physics might mix human perspective with universal truth, so alien science could be different.
- Whiteson framed his book as asking whether physics is discovered or invented by humans.
Drake Equation's Brutal Multiplication
- The Drake Equation multiplies factors so any zero makes communication impossible.
- Whiteson extends it to ask how many aliens we could actually do science with, likely far fewer.
