Frank Wilczek

The Fundamentals of RealityBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Nobel prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek, cosmologist Janna Levin, and comedians Eric Idle and Sara Pascoe to look at what physics has revealed about the reality of our universe. From Einstein's equations more than 100 years ago through to the amazing discoveries we've made in the last few years about black holes and gravitational waves, the universe we think we see is not necessarily the true fundamental reality that physics has uncovered. What is real and what is not? All will be revealed.Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Frank Wilczek, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist at MIT, dives deep into the mysteries of the universe. He unpacks the behavior of quarks and the significance of dark matter, blending complex physics with the beauty of simplicity. The discussion flows through consciousness and its implications for robotics, the interplay of free will and determinism, and the potential of different forms of existence. Wilczek's engaging insights connect cosmic scales with human thought, sparking curiosity about our place in the cosmos.

This engaging discussion features Frank Wilczek, a Nobel-winning physicist, J. Gott, an innovative astrophysicist, Stephen Wolfram, a computer scientist and entrepreneur, philosopher Bas van Fraassen, and astronomer Owen Gingerich. Together, they tackle the profound limits of science in understanding the universe and human existence. Topics include the tension between empirical evidence and spiritual beliefs, the unpredictability of evolution, and the philosophical implications of scientific models versus personal truths. They explore whether real truths exist beyond what science can uncover.

Prominent physicist Frank Wilczek discusses his journey from faith to science, reflecting on early influences, challenges, and accomplishments. The conversation delves into symmetry in physics, personal choices amid societal turmoil, navigating academic achievements, and the impact of early education. Wilczek explores the nuances of electro-weak theory, theoretical physics calculations, and the quest for unification in physics. The podcast offers insights into condensed matter physics, anyons, advancements in quantum computing, quantum gravity, and the boundless horizon of physics.

Frank Wilczek, a Nobel Laureate renowned for his work on quantum chromodynamics, breaks down the mysteries of fundamental physics. He discusses the evolving nature of what is considered 'fundamental,' the balance between simplicity and complexity in physics, and the challenges posed by the hierarchy problem. Wilczek also touches on new frontiers in particle physics, the simulation hypothesis, and the intersection of intelligence and physics, all while offering a hopeful outlook on future discoveries in understanding the universe.

“Having tasted beauty at the heart of the world, we hunger for more.” These are words from Nobel physicist Frank Wilczek in his book, A Beautiful Question. It’s a winsome, joyful meditation on the question: Do cosmic realities embody beautiful ideas? — probing the world, by way of science, as a work of art. He reminds us that time and space, mystery and order, are so much stranger and more generous than we can comprehend. He’s now written a wonderful new book, Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality.Frank Wilczek is the Herman Feshbach Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2004, he received the Nobel Prize in physics. His books include A Beautiful Question: Finding Nature’s Deep Design and The Lightness of Being: Mass, Ether, and the Unification of Forces. His new book is Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.This show originally aired April 28, 2016. 

In this conversation, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek explores the perplexing nature of time. He unpacks the idea that time may be an illusion, contrasting personal experiences with its scientific definitions. The discussion highlights Einstein's revolutionary impact on our understanding of time and links it intriguingly to dark matter through the concept of axions. Wilczek also reflects on the critical role of accurate timekeeping in scientific breakthroughs and the future potential of time research.

Renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist Terence Tao joins Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek for a deep dive into the wonders of scientific inquiry. They explore the complexities of the universe while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling intricate problems. Expect fascinating insights into mathematical concepts and the nature of scientific discovery that will spark your curiosity and inspire you to question the world around you.

Frank Wilczek, a Nobel laureate and MIT professor, dives into the essence of reality and the universe's mysterious workings. He passionately distinguishes between science and non-science, shedding light on astrology's flaws. The conversation explores the perplexities of time, quantum mechanics, and the nature of space-time. Wilczek also discusses the 'unreasonable effectiveness' of mathematics and entertains the simulation hypothesis, questioning if our reality is an illusion. It's a captivating journey through the depths of theoretical physics.

“Having tasted beauty at the heart of the world, we hunger for more.” These are words from Nobel physicist Frank Wilczek in his book, A Beautiful Question. It’s a winsome, joyful meditation on the question: Do cosmic realities embody beautiful ideas? — probing the world, by way of science, as a work of art. He reminds us that time and space, mystery and order, are so much stranger and more generous than we can comprehend. He’s now written a wonderful new book, Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality.Frank Wilczek is the Herman Feshbach Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2004, he received the Nobel Prize in physics. His books include A Beautiful Question: Finding Nature’s Deep Design and The Lightness of Being: Mass, Ether, and the Unification of Forces. His new book is Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality.This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode "Frank Wilczek — Beauty as a Compass for Truth." Find the transcript for that show at onbeing.org.