The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

In this engaging conversation, Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist and political commentator, reflects on anti-intellectualism in America and the delayed reaction of intellectuals during the Vietnam War. He critiques U.S. foreign policy, discussing topics like North Korea and the humanitarian impact of sanctions on Venezuela. Chomsky analyzes Trump’s media manipulation and highlights existential threats such as climate change and nuclear escalation. He also addresses the complexities of free speech and the role of religion in politics, providing insights that remain highly relevant today.

As we move into the end of the year, I’m excited to return to our recurring series “What’s New in Science” with my co-host Sabine Hossenfelder. In this month’s episode, we started by tackling a favorite subject: scientific hype. Sabine kicked things off by dissecting a recent, highly suspect press release claiming a million-qubit quantum computer is on the horizon. I then brought up a National Geographic article claiming that “warp drive is speeding closer to reality” , and we discussed the reasons why it actually isn’t, including the need for “negative energy,” that keep it firmly in the realm of science fiction.From there, Sabine steered us into the world of academic accolades, discussing the controversy around last year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for work on neural networks and the collaborative nature of science. I then introduced this year’s prize, which was awarded for the beautiful and precise experimental work on seemingly macroscopic manifestations of quantum mechanics—specifically, showing a superconducting quantum state can “tunnel” through a barrier.Finally, we turned to cosmic mysteries. Sabine presented a report on search for “Dark Stars,” a theory that the first stars might have been powered by dark matter annihilation , which require some wishful thinking and what I think are not particularly well motivated physics. For full disclosure this is an issue I thought about in a slightly different context almost 40 years ago and have some a priori skepticism about. I closed with a much more plausible bit of exotic physics that may have been observed: new observations of long-lived gamma-ray bursts. A new model suggests these are caused by a black hole that has merged with a star and is consuming it from the inside out. From wild hype to implausible and plausible models to Nobel-winning physics, I hope you enjoy the conversation.As always, an ad-free video version of this podcast is also available to paid Critical Mass subscribers. Your subscriptions support the non-profit Origins Project Foundation, which produces the podcast. The audio version is available free on the Critical Mass site and on all podcast sites, and the video version will also be available on the Origins Project YouTube. Get full access to Critical Mass at lawrencekrauss.substack.com/subscribe

In a Halloween-themed exploration, the host debunks myths about ghosts using fundamental physics. If ghosts were visible, they'd interact with light, contradicting their ability to pass through walls. The discussion critiques the misuse of quantum mechanics in pop culture, especially the misconception that consciousness can alter reality. By analyzing examples like miracles and werewolves, the host highlights that the real universe, with its quantum wonders and cosmic mysteries, is far more intriguing than any supernatural fantasy.

This conversation dives into the ideological challenges facing science and academia today. It highlights the erosion of free speech and the rise of activism over scholarship. The complexities of cancel culture and its impact on academic integrity are explored, alongside discussions on the distortion of biology for political ends. Gad Saad candidly addresses the absurdities of modern campus culture, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and diverse voices in academia. The discussion calls for a return to principles that uphold free inquiry and intellectual rigor.

Karleen Gribble, a dedicated researcher in breastfeeding and infant feeding during emergencies, delves into the ideological challenges facing science today. She shares her transformative journey from agriculture to nursing and highlights the necessity of clear language around sex and gender in maternal health. Gribble argues for using evidence in public health while navigating the complexities of inclusive language. She calls for courage in scientific leadership and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the face of societal pressures.

Dorian Abbot, a Professor of Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago, dives into the ideological challenges facing modern academia. He discusses the alarming state of free speech and the repercussions for faculty with divergent views. The conversation highlights the clash between scientific inquiry and ideology, as well as the impact of cancel culture on academic freedom. Abbot advocates for fostering an environment of intellectual diversity, emphasizing the necessity of open dialogue for the advancement of science.

Judith Suissa, a philosopher of education, and Alice Sullivan, a sociology professor, dive into the ideological battles affecting academia. They discuss the implications of diversity and inclusion initiatives on free inquiry and how these shifts can stifle open debate. The duo highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive topics like gender and the fear junior researchers face in expressing dissenting views. They advocate for academic freedom, calling for an environment where critical discussions can thrive without the fear of backlash.

Alex Byrne, a Lawrence Rockefeller Professor of Philosophy at MIT, and bioethicist Moti Gorin dive into the ideological challenges facing academia today. They tackle the contentious debates around gender-affirming care, examining its efficacy and the impact of academic freedom. The discussion highlights the philosophical complexities surrounding child identity and medical interventions, as well as the dangers of ideological conformity in scholarship. They advocate for transparency and open dialogue, emphasizing the need to reclaim free speech in academic settings.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Arthur Rousseau, a psychiatrist with a focus on mental health legislation, and Lauren Schwartz, a psychiatrist and former ballet dancer, tackle the complexities of gender-affirming care. They delve into the evolving standards in psychiatry, questioning the influence of organizations on treatment guidelines. The duo emphasizes the importance of informed consent for children and the need for evidence-based practices in mental health. Their insights call for accountability in medicine amidst changing societal norms.

Peter Boghossian, a philosopher known for his work on street epistemology, dives into the ideological corruption of science and the impact of social justice activism on academia. He discusses the erosion of free speech, the conflict between integrity and ideology in educational settings, and the troubling rise of practices like plagiarism. With personal anecdotes, he highlights the importance of ethical standards and advocates for a more rigorous approach to academic integrity, navigating through the challenges scientists face amidst a tense ideological landscape.