Marcelo Gleiser, professor of natural philosophy, discusses the unraveling story of the universe, measuring its age, merging relativity and quantum mechanics, the blurry line between physics and theology, limitations of language, and the concept of a mindful universe.
Different scientific methods of measuring the age of the universe yield different results, highlighting the ongoing controversy in cosmology.
Challenges in understanding the origin of the universe may require a paradigm shift in our current understanding.
Embracing mystery and making time for deep contemplation are essential for expanding our understanding and achieving breakthroughs in knowledge.
Deep dives
The limitations of scientific knowledge
The podcast episode explores the limits of scientific knowledge and the challenges in understanding complex questions like the origin of the universe. It emphasizes the need for humility and acceptance that our current models and theories may not provide complete answers. The episode discusses the ongoing controversy in cosmology regarding discrepancies between measurements of the expansion rate of the universe and highlights the concept of dark matter and dark energy as unsolved mysteries. It raises questions about the nature of reality and the potential need for a paradigm shift in our understanding.
The beauty of scientific revolutions
The podcast episode highlights the history of scientific revolutions and how new discoveries often require abandoning previous beliefs. It references major breakthroughs such as Einstein's theory of relativity and the advent of quantum physics, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe. It suggests that the current challenges in cosmology could indicate a need for a paradigm shift and acknowledges the beauty and excitement that comes with scientific progress and the constant quest for knowledge.
The quest for a mindful universe
The podcast episode delves into the broader implications of our place in the universe and the importance of interconnectedness. It explores the idea that humans are not separate from the universe, but rather a part of it and a means for the universe to understand itself. It raises deep existential questions about the meaning of our existence and the need to reevaluate our relationship with the planet and with one another. The episode suggests that cultivating mindfulness and reimagining our narrative can lead to a more positive and sustainable future for humanity.
The unknowables and the mystery of existence
The podcast episode touches upon the idea that some questions about the universe may be unknowable. It discusses how certain aspects of reality may be beyond the reach of our current scientific understanding and that language and our cognitive limitations can pose obstacles. It contemplates on the nature of reality, highlighting the incompleteness theorem in mathematics and drawing parallels to the challenges in physics. The episode encourages embracing mystery and the limitations of knowledge, suggesting that the pursuit of big questions can lead to profound insights and personal growth.
Making time to think and contemplate
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of making time for deep contemplation and thinking about life's big questions. It acknowledges the challenges in finding such time in our busy lives, but highlights its value in expanding our understanding and fostering personal growth. The episode shares personal strategies such as waking up earlier or engaging in physical activities like running or hiking to create space for reflection. It underscores the need to prioritize introspection and intellectual exploration in order to grapple with complex topics and potentially achieve breakthroughs in knowledge.
What is the nature of existence? Why is there something rather than nothing? And what are our limits of knowledge? These are questions that have captured the imaginations of pretty much every culture that has ever existed. Our guest this week, Marcelo Gleiser, co-authored a fascinating New York Times op-ed titled, “The Story of Our Universe May Be Starting to Unravel.” Gleiser is the Appleton Professor of Natural Philosophy and a professor of physics and astronomy at Dartmouth College. He’s also author of numerous books, including his most recent one, “The Dawn of a Mindful Universe: A Manifesto for Humanity's Future.” Gleiser joins WITHpod to discuss why different scientific methods of measuring the age of the universe continually yield different results, contemporary departures from longstanding theories about the origins of the universe, the importance of us cultivating time to think about life’s big questions and more. Note that this episode was recorded on September 28th, 2023 and we held it for release until today.
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