Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Stephon Alexander on The Autodidactic Universe, String Theory, Matrix Models & Cherns-Simons Gravity
Jan 19, 2022
Stephon Alexander, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Brown University, shares his groundbreaking ideas on the 'autodidactic universe' and connections between consciousness and physics. He delves into the intricate world of string theory, exploring the implications of D-branes and matrix models. The discussion also highlights Chern-Simons gravity and its relation to quantum mechanics. With an engaging mix of advanced concepts and personal anecdotes, Alexander emphasizes self-education and the playful nature of scientific discovery.
01:41:54
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Quick takeaways
- Turner and Simon's modified gravity extends general relativity, impacting gauge theories and physics applications.
- Identifying and addressing anomalies in theoretical physics ensures consistency and viability of fundamental theories.
Deep dives
Understanding Turn Simon's Theory and its Significance
Turn Simon's modified gravity is a fundamental extension of general relativity that incorporates gravitational parity violation, stemming from a breakthrough in mathematical physics attributed to Turner and Simon. This new invariant class allows for deep insights into gauge theories and standard models, with its application transcending mathematics to influence physics. Particularly, its role in establishing anomalies within theories like the standard model showcases its impact on anomaly cancellations and ensuring the conservation of currents.
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