133 - Ian Hutchinson: Plasma Physics & The Compatibility of Science and Religion

Ian Hutchinson is Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering in he Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering and the Plasma Science and Fusion Center at MIT. He works in both plasma physics and nuclear physics and also writes on the philosophy of science and the compatibility of Christianity and science. In this episode, Ian and Robinson begin by discussing his work in plasma and nuclear physics, touching on space exploration, nuclear fusion, and the containment of superheated plasma. Then they turn to Ian’s religious beliefs and his understanding of how science and christianity are not only compatible, but complementary. Ian’s latest book is Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?: An MIT Professor Answers Questions on God and Science.

Ian’s Website: https://www-internal.psfc.mit.edu/~hutch/

Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?: https://a.co/d/2Vi2wKk

OUTLINE

00:00 In This Episode…

01:03 Introduction

06:15 Is There a Crisis in Plasma Physics?

19:19 What Is the Fourth Phase of Matter?

33:24 Plasma, Astrophysics, and Space Exploration

45:49 What Are Nuclear Fission and Fusion?

55:25 How Does Nuclear Fusion Work?

01:02:34 How Viable is Nuclear Fusion as a Clean Power Source?

01:19:03 Why MIT Nuclear Physicist Ian Hutchinson Believes in God

01:34:08 How Can Science be Compatible with Christian Miracles?

01:43:22 How an MIT Physicist Reads the Book of Genesis

01:49:11 The Perils of Scientism

01:58:59 Do Science and Religion Complement Each Other?

02:04:02 How Religion Informs Ian’s Work as a Plasma Physicist

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.