AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Lawrence Krauss talks about how he has been wrong about underestimating the tenacity and ingenuity of experimental physicists, particularly in fields like astrophysics and gravitational waves. He admits to dismissing the ability to measure fundamental constants of the universe, only to be proven wrong by advancements in technology and experimental techniques.
Krauss addresses the importance of not knowingly misleading the public, drawing from the responsibility that scientists, especially those with public platforms, have. He highlights the need to be cautious in providing accurate information and avoiding intentional deception, emphasizing the significance of maintaining integrity in science communication.
He reflects on changing his initial perceptions about individuals, like George Peterson, based on preconceived notions, and acknowledges the value of engaging in conversations with those who are genuinely interested in learning and asking questions. This shift demonstrates the importance of curiosity, open-mindedness, and willingness to engage in intellectual dialogue.
Krauss recounts dismissing the possibility of measuring properties of the cosmic microwave background and the fundamental constants of the universe, only to witness breakthroughs that debunked these assumptions through advancements in technology and experimental methods. He points out the significance of visionary experimentalists pushing boundaries in science.
By reflecting on past misconceptions and evolving perspectives, Krauss underscores the importance of continuous learning, critical thinking, and intellectual integrity in scientific inquiry and communication. He emphasizes the value of embracing curiosity, challenging assumptions, and engaging in meaningful dialogue to expand knowledge and understanding of the world.
He discusses the significance of engaging in conversations with individuals who hold contrasting views, like Jordan Peterson, and the potential for introspection and self-awareness in evaluating personal biases and assumptions. This underscores the value of intellectual diversity, open dialogue, and self-reflection in fostering intellectual growth.
Lawrence Krauss is an internationally known theoretical physicist, bestselling author, and acclaimed lecturer. He is currently President of The Origins Project Foundation, and host of The Origins Podcast. In this episode Professor Krauss discusses his 10th and most recent book: The Edge of Knowledge: Unsolved Mysteries of the Cosmos.
The book challenges readers to explore the limits of what we know, and possibly what is even knowable! Can science ever explain the mysteries of time, space, matter, the origin of life, and the nature of consciousness? Lawrence addresses these challenges head on while also celebrating how far we have come in understanding the universe. Professor Krauss reminds us tha not knowing implies a universe of opportunities with the possibility of discovery and surprise.
In the episode Dr. Krauss has much to say about the risks of AI, astrobiology, the pursuit of a theory of everything, and where science can take us. He reveals his motivations for writing this latest book, and his deep concerns for the current state of academic freedom.
As an accomplished scientist with over 500 publications, Lawrence Krauss has focused on the interface between elementary particle physics and cosmology, including the origin and evolution of the Universe and the fundamental structure of matter. Among his numerous important scientific contributions was the proposal, in 1995, that most of the energy of the Universe resided in empty space. Krauss previously served as Director of Arizona State University's Origins Project, and Foundation Professor for a decade from 2008-2018, and also as Chair of the Board of Sponsors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists from 2006-2018. During his career Prof. Krauss has held endowed professorships and distinguished research appointments at institutions including Harvard University, Yale University, University of Chicago, Boston University, University of Zurich, University of California at Santa Barbara, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN), Case Western Reserve University, Australian National University, Arizona State University, and New College of Humanities. He has written 10 popular books, including the international best-sellers, The Physics of Star Trek and A Universe from Nothing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode