Nature & Nurture #131: Dr. Lee Cronin - Evolution, Entropy, & The Chemical Origins of Life

Dr. Lee Cronin is a Professor and the Regius Chair of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow, where he leads research on the chemical origins of life, computerized chemistry, and assembly theory. In this episode, we explore how assembly theory, analogues between chemistry and computation, the origins of life, the concepts of entropy and time, quantum mechanics, consciousness, simulation theories of the universe, and much more. 

00:32 Understanding Assembly Theory

01:47 Bridging the Gap: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

03:27 The Role of Information Processing

04:24 Complexity in Biology and Neuroscience

06:02 Applying Assembly Theory to Molecules

08:57 Exploring the Origins of Life

18:16 Entropy and Complexity

22:21 Time and Selection

32:45 Quantum Mechanics and Uncertainty Principle

37:47 Heat Death State and Space as an Emergent Property of Time

39:07 Emergence of Space and Time

41:28 Randomness, Free Will and Consciousness

42:27 Panpsychism and Consciousness

52:45 Free Energy Principle and Neuroscience

58:38 Simulation Theories and Combinatorial Explosions

01:03:15 Scientific Anarchy and Progress

#Chemistry #Physics #Biology #AssemblyTheory #Consciousness #Simulation #Entropy #Time #Quantum #Selection #Evolution #FreeWill