Lex Fridman Podcast

#112 – Ian Hutchinson: Nuclear Fusion, Plasma Physics, and Religion

Jul 29, 2020

Ian Hutchinson, a renowned nuclear engineer and plasma physicist from MIT, dives deep into the fascinating world of nuclear fusion and its potential as a sustainable energy source. He compares fusion with fission and discusses the challenges of practical energy production. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Hutchinson explores the intersection of science and religion, addressing existential threats, the nature of God, and the significance of faith. He also examines humanity's relationship with suffering, consciousness, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence.

02:01:43

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Episode guests

Ian Hutchinson

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Episode notes

Intro

5min

Nuclear and Plasma Physics Explained

15min

Fusion vs. Fission: The Future of Nuclear Energy

22min

Existential Threats and Sustainable Futures

8min

A Journey of Faith: From Skepticism to Understanding

11min

Beyond Scientism: Exploring Knowledge

8min

The Multifaceted Nature of Faith

13min

Navigating Suffering, AI, and Consciousness

24min

Exploring Creation: Faith and the Simulation Hypothesis

10min

10.

The Paradox of Love and Loyalty: Service as Freedom

2min

11.

From Fusion Energy to the Power of Love

2min

Ian Hutchinson is a nuclear engineer and plasma physicist at MIT. He has made a number of important contributions in plasma physics including the magnetic confinement of plasmas seeking to enable fusion reactions, which is the energy source of the stars, to be used for practical energy production. Current nuclear reactors are based on fission as we discuss. Ian has also written on the philosophy of science and the relationship between science and religion.

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Here’s the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.

OUTLINE:
00:00 – Introduction
05:32 – Nuclear physics and plasma physics
08:00 – Fusion energy
35:22 – Nuclear weapons
42:06 – Existential risks
50:29 – Personal journey in religion
56:27 – What is God like?
1:01:34 – Scientism
1:04:21 – Atheism
1:06:39 – Not knowing
1:09:57 – Faith
1:13:46 – The value of loyalty and love
1:23:26 – Why is there suffering in the world
1:35:08 – AGI
1:40:27 – Consciousness
1:48:14 – Simulation
1:52:20 – Adam and Eve
1:54:57 – Meaning of life

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