Discussion on Michel Serres' The Birth of Physics, including flows, vortices, clinamen, and optimal pathways. Exploring ancient thinkers, discontinuities in science, the concept of time and motion, Freud's Anoclitic Type, deterritorialized forms, accretion and optimal paths for living, and seeking the path of least resistance.
Michel Serres' interdisciplinary work seamlessly combines philosophy, science, and literature.
Serres challenges the linear notion of progress and calls for a reevaluation of ancient thinkers and their contributions.
The podcast explores the concept of optimal paths and flows in various scientific realms, highlighting the importance of obstacles in redirecting flows and the principle of deviance.
Deep dives
Exploring the works of Michel Serres
This podcast episode delves into the ideas and works of Michel Serres, particularly focusing on his book 'The Birth of Physics.' The hosts discuss why they chose this topic and its relevance to their previous discussions on Lucretius and Thomas Nail's work.
Interdisciplinary nature of Serres' work
The podcast highlights the interdisciplinary nature of Michel Serres' work, which combines philosophy, science, and literature. They emphasize that Serres does not fit neatly into a single genre, as his writing seamlessly weaves together philosophy, history of science, literary criticism, and even poetry.
Hydraulic model and the critique of linear progress
The episode explores Serres' concept of the hydraulic model as a critique of the idea of linear progress in science and history. Serres argues that progress is not always a linear, continuous trajectory, but rather a complex interplay of discontinuities and deviations. He challenges the notion of scientific and philosophical knowledge as purely cumulative, and calls for a reevaluation of ancient thinkers and their contributions.
The Nature of Time: Bergson vs. Einstein
The podcast episode delves into the debate between Bergson and Einstein regarding the nature of time. Bergson challenges Einstein's theory of time dilation and argues that time does not pass differently depending on the frame of reference. He contends that the common understanding of time passing differently for a person traveling close to the speed of light is incorrect. Bergson emphasizes the importance of experience and questions the concept of biological aging as a measure of time. The discussion highlights the divergence between Bergson and Einstein's views on the nature of time.
Optimal Paths and Flows in Nature
The podcast explores the concept of optimal paths and flows in various scientific realms. It discusses the idea that flows, whether of water, energy, or even capital, seek the path of least resistance. The discussion touches on the notion of equilibrium and efficiency in flow dynamics. It also examines the role of obstacles in redirecting flows and the principle of deviance. The podcast connects these concepts to Sarah's notion of the Thalweg as a maximal declination in natural flows. The episode delves into the implications of optimal paths in disciplines such as physics, history, and ethics.
This week Cooper and Taylor discussed Michel Serres' The Birth of Physics. A discussion centering on flows, vortices, the clinamen and optimal pathways.
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