The Gray Area with Sean Illing The jazz musician’s guide to the universe
Aug 26, 2024
Stephon Alexander is a theoretical physicist at Brown University and a world-class jazz musician, celebrated for his books 'The Jazz of Physics' and 'Fear of a Black Universe.' He discusses the harmonious relationship between music and the universe, likening the origins of the cosmos to an improvised saxophone solo. The conversation dives into how jazz improvisation parallels quantum mechanics and the significance of sound vibrations in understanding existence. Alexander also shares his insights on the intersection of creativity in both physics and music.
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Physics' Current State
- Physics has been successful, particularly in uniting quantum mechanics and relativity.
- This led to the standard model, but some physicists feel the field is currently stuck.
Fear of New Ideas
- Success in physics often involves following established trends and peer-reviewed research.
- Deviating from this can lead to penalties, creating fear for young physicists exploring new ideas.
Jazz and Physics
- Stephon Alexander's jazz background helps him pivot and avoid attachment to ideas in physics.
- His musical discipline and practice also inform his scientific work.
