Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

The Massively Misleading Michelson–Morley Experiment | Harry Collins

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Sep 13, 2024

Harry Collins, a Distinguished Research Professor at Cardiff University, delves into the misconceptions surrounding the Michelson-Morley experiment and the cultural complexities of scientific discovery. He discusses the importance of transparency in research and how societal dynamics shape knowledge. Collins critiques the commodification of science and argues for a collaborative understanding of scientific integrity. He also explores how intelligence is influenced by social contexts and emphasizes the need for reform in science education to foster better community engagement.

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ANECDOTE

Michelson-Morley Misconception

Einstein, Hawking, and textbooks misrepresent the Michelson-Morley experiment.
It didn't prove the constant speed of light, and later results even contradicted it.

INSIGHT

The 'Rabbit Out of a Hat' Illusion

Scientists often simplify scientific discovery, creating a 'rabbit out of a hat' illusion.
This hides the messy, iterative process involved in reaching scientific conclusions.

ANECDOTE

Gravitational Waves and Secrecy

The discovery of gravitational waves involved five months of secret verification.
Collins, with inside access, questioned this secrecy, advocating for transparency.

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The evolution of physics

Leopold Infeld

Albert Einstein

This book, written by Albert Einstein and Leopold Infeld, provides a comprehensive and accessible history of physics, tracing the development of ideas from early concepts to relativity and quantum mechanics. It explores major scientific milestones, including the work of Galileo, Newton, Maxwell, and the evolution of field theories and relativity. The authors emphasize the importance of a realist approach to physics and the role of creative thought in scientific progress.

Gravity's Ghost and Big Dog

Harry Collins

Gravity's Ghost and Big Dog offers a unique perspective on the efforts to detect gravitational waves, drawing from nearly fifty years of fieldwork. The book delves into two significant events: the Equinox Event and Big Dog, highlighting the challenges and philosophical decisions involved in interpreting these signals. It provides insights into the social and scientific processes underlying modern scientific discovery.

Gravity's Kiss

Harry Collins

In 'Gravity's Kiss', Harry Collins provides a fascinating account of the detection, analysis, and public presentation of gravitational waves. The book explores the collaborative and secretive nature of modern science, tracing the journey from the initial observation to the final published paper. It highlights the significance of this discovery in confirming Einstein's theory of general relativity and opening a new field of astronomy.

A Brief History of Time

From the Big Bang to Black Holes

Stephen Hawking

In 'A Brief History of Time', Stephen Hawking delves into fundamental questions about the universe, including its origin, the nature of space and time, and the fate of the cosmos. The book discusses key concepts such as the Big Bang, black holes, and the theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Hawking also explores the possibility of time travel and wormholes, and he reflects on the intersection of science and philosophy, including the search for a unifying theory of everything and the implications for our understanding of existence and the universe[2][3][4].

This is Episode 3 of Theories of Everything's "Rethinking the Foundations of the Academy: How to improve scientific inquiry?" series featuring Harry Collins.

Harry Collins is a pioneering sociologist of science known for his work on the sociology of scientific knowledge, particularly his studies on the nature of expertise, scientific discovery, and the social dynamics within scientific communities. Harry is a Distinguished Research Professor at Cardiff University and a Fellow of the British Academy, with numerous published works, including his influential books Gravity’s Kiss and The Golem: What You Should Know about Science.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

01:11 - How to Improve Science

05:56 - Einstein and Hawkins

11:10 - Discovery of Gravitational Waves

21:03 - The Stages of Discovery

26:57 - The Fractal Model of Society

36:52 - How Society Forms You

45:08 - Moral Truths and Science

55:30 - Outro / Support TOE

LINKS:

- Rethinking the Foundations playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ7ikzmc6zlOYgTu7P4nfjYkv3mkikyBa

- Gravity's Kiss (book) - https://www.amazon.ca/Gravitys-Kiss-Detection-Gravitational-Waves/dp/0262036185

- Professor Harry Collins - https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/collinshm

- Gravity's Ghost and Big Dog (book) - https://www.amazon.ca/Gravitys-Ghost-Big-Dog-Twenty-First-ebook/dp/B00HSOJ9KS

- Expertises (paper) - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039368107000593

- TOE’s String Theory Iceberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4PdPnQuwjY

- A Brief History of Time (book): https://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Time-Stephen-Hawking/dp/0553380168

- The Evolution of Physics (book): https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Physics-Albert-Einstein/dp/0671201565/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Y6PG41AKP0VB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hs3RH-krpskq--FQLA49yaEQo7mquj0dVMYsWaYwlJ6S2ahhlLC0fVa7ikYPe5BqvSYx4PH15Fn9pENdUIwDKzLVi5XF4JGC89uYR9jsX6dqpSUief3XMuD_igB_tJ8zi2ZuNGi4-3wvCzUxjIcxjw3Mf3u_1cXX1zI2IysdGDbt6Xmww980j2ShUKsvEbkK_Zm_tODCmdvhhgcL_shBOz5Av-uZtmVKg5RIWxXx0Xg.fEzRTtYSoAriPDuyZiJt2zf1aQeOkiCTWr-cf4z7pO0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+evolution+of+physics&qid=1725909573&s=books&sprefix=the+evolution+of+physic%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1

- Carlo Rovelli on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_fUPbBNmBw

- Harry’s paper with Gary Sanders (on expertise): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039368107000593?via%3Dihub

- The TEA Set (paper): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/030631277400400203

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