Martin Rees

Joining the discussion is Lord Martin Rees, Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at Cambridge University. He shares insights on black holes, the origins of the universe, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Rees explores the implications of advancing AI in unraveling cosmic mysteries and the evolution of humanity's understanding of space. He also reflects on the role of billionaires in aerospace innovation and the philosophical dilemmas surrounding biotechnology and ethical governance in an ever-evolving world.

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.

Shermer and Rees discuss: existential threats • overpopulation • biodiversity loss • climate change • AI and self-driving cars, robots, and unemployment • his bet with Steven Pinker • his disagreement with Richard Dawkins • how science works as a communal activity • scientific creativity • science communication • science education • why there aren’t more women and people of color in STEM fields • verification vs. falsification • Bayesian reasoning and scientific progress • Model Dependent Realism and the nature of reality Fermi’s Paradox • why he’s an atheist but wants to be buried in the Presbyterian church in which he was raised • mysterian mysteries. Martin Rees is Astronomer Royal, former President of the Royal Society, Fellow (and former Master) of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge. He sits as a member of the UK House of Lords. He is the author of many bestselling popular science books, including: On the Future; Just Six Numbers; Before the Beginning; and Our Final Hour. His newest book is If Science is to Save Us.

In this discussion, Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, and Carolin Crawford, Emeritus Fellow at Cambridge, explore the fascinating life cycle and explosive deaths of stars. They detail how our Sun will transform into a red giant before collapsing into a white dwarf, while massive stars might end in spectacular supernovae, creating neutron stars or black holes. The hosts highlight the integral role of stellar death in forming new elements, new stars, and potential new life, tying cosmic events to the origins of life on Earth.

Renowned scientist Martin Rees predicts the future of humanity and science in an engaging conversation with Brian Keating. They cover topics such as artificial intelligence, zoology, the debate on the steady-state of the universe, theories of everything, benefits of the pandemic, blockchain, Bitcoin, ethics, and more.