Crash Course Pods: The Universe Ep. 9: The Cosmos and Us
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Aug 14, 2024 Dive deep into the cosmos as the discussion highlights humanity's historical ties to the universe and our quest for meaning. Explore the balance between the purpose of science and its practical applications, including fascinating historical examples. The speakers emphasize the beauty of collaborative discovery and the personal significance we derive from the cosmos. Quantum mechanics and free will spark intriguing philosophical debates, revealing the intricate dance of chaos and inevitability in our lives. Uncover how art and science intertwine in the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
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Science vs Astrology in Meaning
- Humans naturally seek explanations and meaning, often linking events to stars historically through astrology.
- Science, however, relies on testable, evidence-based methods that astrology fails to meet.
Science as Approximate Models
- Science creates mathematical models to predict and explain observed data, constantly refining these models.
- Absolute reality is unreachable; models approximating observations are our best tools for understanding.
Physicist Explains Science Value to Parliament
- Dr. Katie Mack shared her experience speaking to Canadian parliamentarians about the value of theoretical cosmology.
- She highlighted how fundamental physics discoveries like general relativity unexpectedly enabled GPS technology.