The Stephen Wolfram Podcast The Unification of Mathematics, Metamathematics and Physics
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Jan 12, 2026 Dive into a fascinating exploration of how computation could redefine physics and mathematics. Wolfram discusses the concept of a fundamental theory of physics rooted in discrete structures. He reveals how simple rules can create complex behaviors and links this to the geometry of space. There's a captivating examination of how time, gravity, and quantum mechanics emerge from rewritable networks. Plus, the Ruliad is introduced as a profound concept connecting all computations, with implications for biology and evolution. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey!
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Simple Rules Give Complex Behavior
- Very simple computational rules can produce rich, unpredictable behavior that looks complex.
- Stephen Wolfram calls this computational irreducibility: often the only way to know the outcome is to run the computation.
Space As Rewriting Networks
- Space can be modeled as a discrete network (hypergraph) rewritten by simple rules, producing emergent geometry.
- In the large-scale limit these rewrites reproduce features like curvature and the Einstein equations.
Tiny Network Black Holes Reproduce Mergers
- Wolfram shows tiny discrete-network black holes that merge and emit gravitational-wave-like signals.
- The small-scale network reproduces phenomena similar to continuum general-relativity simulations.
