Making Sense with Sam Harris #323 — Science & Survival
24 snips
Jun 22, 2023 In this conversation with Martin Rees, a prominent astronomer and former president of the Royal Society, captivating insights unfold. They discuss the pivotal role of science in managing existential risks like AI and pandemics. The podcast delves into the Fermi Paradox, pondering why we haven’t found advanced extraterrestrial life. Rees also emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific progress, countering the myth of the lone genius. Additionally, they explore ethical concerns about technology's future and its impact on humanity.
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Choosing a Research Field
- Pick a research subject where new things are happening.
- This allows you to make novel contributions rather than just filling in the gaps left by others.
Scientific Progress
- Science is progressive, building upon previous knowledge, not always overturning it.
- Newton's laws are still valid within certain parameters, even after Einstein's theories.
Science vs. Art
- Scientific discoveries become integrated into the larger body of knowledge, losing individual attribution.
- This differs from artistic creations, which retain the artist's unique mark.
