In Search of Truth in Physics: An Interview with Zeeya Merali
Mar 29, 2023
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Amy interviews Zeeya Merali, a journalist specializing in physics. They discuss creating new universes, determinism and free will, making something out of 'nothing,' and the intersection between physics and meditation.
Physics can provide insights into the origins of space and time through the study of processes that occurred during the creation of the universe.
Exploring the concept of nothing in physics reveals that empty space is never truly empty due to quantum physics and the uncertainty principle.
Deep dives
The search for the intersection of Christian religion and quantum theory
The podcast explores the intersection of Christian religion and quantum theory. The host received an email from a listener expressing their interest in this topic, which led to an interview with Zia Morale, a cosmologist and journalist. Zia discusses her book 'A Big Bang in a Little Room', which explores the creation of a mini universe in a lab. The conversation delves into the relationship between the physical and the theoretical in quantum physics and cosmology.
Zia Morale's journey from physics to journalism
Zia Morale shares her journey from studying theoretical physics to becoming a journalist. She recounts how her passion for learning about different aspects of science led her to becoming a science writer. Zia's internship at Scientific American sparked her love for journalism, where she found joy in explaining complex scientific ideas to the general public.
Creating a universe in a lab
The podcast discusses the concept of creating a universe in a lab. Zia Morale explains how scientists are exploring the possibility of using particle accelerators to recreate conditions similar to those during the early universe's birth. By studying processes that occurred during the creation of our universe, they hope to gain insights into understanding inflation and the origins of space and time.
The nature of reality and the concept of nothing
The episode explores different assertions about the nature of reality, specifically determinism, indeterminism, and interdeterminism. The concept of nothing is also discussed, exploring how empty space is never completely empty due to quantum physics and the uncertainty principle. The book 'Trespassing on Einstein's Lawn' by Amanda Gefter is recommended for further exploration of nothingness.
“I went there originally to go and speak to him about his ideas for the origins of space and time, but in the back of my mind, I wanted to ask him about his practices meditating, just as an aside maybe” – Zeeya Merali
Welcome to In Search Of, a podcast where we go in search of voices and perspectives that inform and expand a life of faith. In this episode, Amy talks with journalist Zeeya Merali about physics. Zeeya explains the science behind creating new universes, determinism and free will, and creating something out of “nothing.” They also discuss how physics can inform one’s inner life and the benefits of making science accessible. Explore these questions and more on this episode of In Search Of.
Zeeya Merali is a freelance writer based in London and author of A Big Bang in a Little Room. Her writing has been published in Scientific American,Nature, New Scientist, Discover, and on the BBC. Zeeya Merali also edits the Foundational Questions Institute website, where she blogs and co-hosts a physics podcast, and runs thelittlebangtheory.com.
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