Intelligence Squared Mind, Matter and Meaning, with Brian Greene and Tom Whipple
Apr 3, 2020
Brian Greene, a theoretical physicist and author, teams up with Tom Whipple, the science editor of The Times, to dive into the cosmos' mysteries. They explore quantum mechanics and the emergence of consciousness, questioning how life originated from chaos. Greene discusses the enigma of entropy, linking it to the universe's evolution and our understanding of free will. They also ponder the philosophical essence of existence and urge listeners to appreciate the present, even amidst cosmic uncertainties.
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Entropy's Reign
- Entropy, a measure of disorder, increases over time according to the second law of thermodynamics.
- This principle helps explain the universe's evolution from order to disorder.
Order from Disorder
- Orderly structures like stars can form within a disordered universe.
- This occurs through an "entropic two-step," where enough disorder is released elsewhere to compensate.
Humans as Entropy Conduits
- Humans act as "conduits" for the universe to increase its entropy.
- We consume ordered structures, utilize their energy, and release disorder as waste and heat.
