Metaphysics and science: do we need both? PART 1 | Eric Weinstein, Becky Parker, Hilary Lawson
Aug 28, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, mathematician Eric Weinstein, award-winning physicist Becky Parker, and philosopher Hilary Lawson delve into the relevance of metaphysics in today's scientific age. They debate the interplay between metaphysical views and scientific inquiry, debating frameworks like idealism and panpsychism. The conversation highlights quantum mechanics' challenge to traditional notions of reality and critiques the over-reliance on observation in understanding the universe. Ultimately, they explore whether metaphysics still holds a place in our quest for truth.
The re-emergence of metaphysics in contemporary discourse challenges the limitations of strictly empirical scientific thought and prompts deeper inquiries into reality.
Quantum mechanics introduces non-classical concepts that suggest the need for broader interpretative frameworks, emphasizing exploration over rigid definitions in scientific understanding.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of Metaphysics
There is a growing debate about the relevance and role of metaphysics in contemporary philosophy and science. Historically, metaphysical concepts faced criticism for being speculative and lacking empirical evidence, leading some to dismiss them as irrelevant. However, current thinkers argue that metaphysics is re-emerging as a significant area of inquiry that challenges the strong reductionism of previous scientific thought. This revitalization suggests that there may be deeper layers of reality that can only be accessed through metaphysical exploration, rather than relying solely on empirical science.
Uncertainty in Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics presents challenging concepts that defy classical logic and suggest a reality that is not purely objective. The discussions highlight the unexpected outcomes of quantum experiments, such as entanglement, which complicates the notion of measurement in physics. As physicists strive to understand the nature of reality, they often find that their interpretations do not align with traditional scientific rigor, pointing to the need for a broader language and new frameworks to encapsulate these phenomena. This shift invites a more open and exploratory approach to scientific understanding, embracing awe and wonder rather than rigid definitions.
The Limits of Empirical Observation
The limitations of empirical observation raise critical questions about our ability to grasp reality fully. Philosophers contend that the frameworks of science, while valuable, can never access the ultimate nature of reality due to inherent limitations in our observational capacities. This leads to the realization that both science and philosophy must operate within their respective models that serve as approximations rather than absolute truths. The goal, therefore, should not be to uncover definitive answers but to construct useful theories that help us achieve practical outcomes and navigate the complexities of understanding the universe.
Is metaphysics still relevant? Or has the pre-eminence of science over the last centuries made such questioning obsolete?
Join provocative mathematician and investor Eric Weinstein, award-winning physicist Becky Parker and post-post-realist philosopher Hilary Lawson as they discuss what role, if any, metaphysics should currently be playing in our society. Their discussions touch on issues such as the openness or not of science, as well as the underlying truth of reality.