Jonathan Feng, a theoretical physicist researching dark matter, discusses the benefits of not knowing everything, including greater appreciation, curiosity, and understanding of the world. The podcast explores Stephen Hawking's contributions to physics and his views on religion, as well as different sizes and scales in physics. It also delves into the relationship between scientific proof and religious beliefs, highlighting the harmony between science and faith.
Embracing the unknowns of the universe can lead to greater appreciation, humility, and curiosity about the complexities of our world.
Science and faith are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary expressions of human curiosity, wonder, and awe toward the world.
Deep dives
The Depth of Our Ignorance: Exploring the Unknowns of the Universe
Dr. Jonathan Feng, a theoretical physicist at UC Irvine, delves into the mysteries of the universe, particularly focusing on the enigma of dark matter. He highlights that approximately 95% of the universe is composed of unknown components, with dark matter making up 27% and dark energy accounting for 68%. Dr. Feng emphasizes that rather than hindering our understanding, these unknowns can inspire greater appreciation, humility, and curiosity about the complexities of our world. Additionally, he discusses the compatibility between science and religious faith, asserting that they are both manifestations of human impulses to think, wonder, and be awed by the world.
From Static to Expanding Universe: Advances in Cosmological Understanding
Dr. Feng traces the progression of scientific understanding about the universe, highlighting how the view has evolved over time. From the static model where stars were believed to be immobile and the universe without boundaries, advances in physics, including the works of Einstein and LaMaitre, have transformed our understanding. The universe is now seen as dynamic, expanding, and likely having a beginning with the Big Bang. Dr. Feng notes that while scientific progress aligns more closely with the biblical account of creation, it does not provide definitive scientific proof of a creation event. Nonetheless, it encourages a deeper appreciation of the connection between scientific discoveries and the wonders of the universe.
Science and Faith: A Reflection on Complementary Perspectives
Dr. Feng challenges the notion of a conflict between science and faith, presenting the 'God of the gaps' argument. He stresses that many religious scientists, like James Clerk Maxwell, find their faith strengthened through scientific exploration, recognizing the glory of God in understanding the laws of the universe. Dr. Feng asserts that science and faith are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary expressions of human curiosity, wonder, and awe toward the world. He concludes by encouraging a harmonious integration of science and faith, finding great meaning in their coexistence.
What would your life be like if you knew everything? While it would be nice to remember everyone’s names and not have to study for tests, knowing everything has its drawbacks, too. You’d no longer feel surprised, curious, or filled with wonder. And, you'd miss out on getting to know people, asking hard and big questions, and the joy of learning new things.
Our speaker today knows firsthand all the good that not knowing can bring. In fact, he’s made a career out of it. Jonathan Feng (U.C. Irvine) is a theoretical physicist researching one of the biggest unknowns in the scientific world: dark matter. In this Forum event from 2018, Dr. Feng embraces the unknowns of the universe. He discusses how our ignorance can lead us to greater appreciation of the complicated and beautiful world we live in, push us towards humility and curiosity, and, perhaps, help us better know a powerful, creative, loving God.
This Forum was originally titled "The Post Hawking Universe" and was hosted by The Veritas Forum at the University of Southern California.
Watch the full Forum event from this episode here.