Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Theories of Everything
Exploring theoretical physics, consciousness, Ai, and God in a technically rigorous manner. If you'd like to support this endeavor, then please visit the Patreon ( https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal ). Thank you for your charitable and kindhearted support. My name's Curt Jaimungal, a Torontonian with a degree in mathematical physics from the University of Toronto and I analyze various Theories of Everything from this analytic perspective, though more and more opening up to alternative approaches. The separating factor of TOE from other podcasts is its focus on depth even at the risk of limiting the audience due to how much detail we delve into subjects. Paralleling the intensity found in academic discourse, we're increasingly embracing a spectrum of unconventional ideas to conduct research during this podcast, rather than merely conveying existing information. Contact toe [at] indiefilmTO [dot] com for business inquiries / sponsorship.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Aug 13, 2020 • 1h 22min
Sabine Hossenfelder on Theories of Everything, Consciousness, and Truth
In this conversation, Sabine Hossenfelder, a theoretical physicist and author known for her critical views on beauty in physics, dives into the fascinating world of superfluid dark matter and its implications for gravitational theories. She discusses the intricate nature of consciousness and its relationship with free will, tackling complex systems and determinism. Hossenfelder also shares her journey from blogging to engaging audiences through creative science communication, blending her passion for music with her academic pursuits, all while navigating the challenges of theoretical physics.
4 snips
Aug 3, 2020 • 1h 7min
Brian Keating on Theories of Everything, Free Will, and thoughts on Eric Weinstein's / Wolfram's TOE
In this intriguing conversation, physicist Brian Keating explores profound themes like free will and the nature of consciousness. He discusses the delicate balance between human wisdom and AI, referencing Gödel's incompleteness theorem. Keating shed light on the aesthetics of theoretical physics, contrasting them with the practical rigors of experimentation. He also shares insights on cosmic studies and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in science, particularly in engaging youth through literature and popular media.
Jul 30, 2020 • 3h 18min
Donald Hoffman on the fundamental nature of consciousness (the most technical interview published with him)
Donald Hoffman, a cognitive psychologist and professor at UC Irvine, joins for a deep dive into consciousness. He introduces the conscious agent model, exploring how perception shapes our reality. The conversation investigates the impacts of the pandemic on human behavior and the challenges of meditation. Hoffman challenges materialist views, suggesting reality emerges from consciousness. They also discuss the intricate relationship between consciousness and causality, identity, and the nature of existence, pushing listeners to rethink their understanding of reality.
Jul 25, 2020 • 2h 34min
Douglas Lain on Marxism, violent revolution vs non-violent, and Christianity
Douglas Lain, a self-proclaimed Marxist and creator of the Zer0 Books channel, engages in a vibrant conversation on political philosophy. He examines the complexities of Marxism, contrasting it with socialism and discussing its historical failures and relevance today. Lain explores the relationship between Christianity and Marxism, highlighting how ownership and ethical principles intersect. The dialogue touches on non-violent societal change amid chaos, advocating for collective action to empower the working class against capitalism's exploitative nature.
Jul 14, 2020 • 1h 55min
Rebecca Goldstein on Gödels' incompleteness, Sam Harris' Landscape, and debate with Jordan Peterson
Rebecca Goldstein, an esteemed philosopher and author, shares her insights on Gödel's incompleteness theorems and their philosophical implications for understanding truth in physics and morality. She reflects on her intense debate with Jordan Peterson and critiques Sam Harris' views on moral philosophy. The conversation also delves into the intricacies of writing, the nature of truth in language, and the philosophical challenges posed by postmodernism. Goldstein emphasizes the importance of rational discourse while navigating the complexities of individual and collective significance.
10 snips
Jul 6, 2020 • 1h 48min
Eric Weinstein on how he comes up with ideas, Black Lives Matter's Marxism, and why he doesn't use nootropics
Eric Weinstein, known for his podcast The Portal and his innovative work on Geometric Unity, dives into the crux of idea generation in physics. He shares his insights on the creativity process and critiques optimization culture, particularly his avoidance of nootropics. Their discussion touches on the complexities of parenthood and economics, the significance of inclusivity in academia, and the often-overlooked strengths of individuals with learning disabilities. Eric also explores the necessity of incorporating consciousness into the search for a theoretical unification in science.
50 snips
Jul 3, 2020 • 1h 1min
Steven Pinker on the radical left, Jordan Peterson, Chomsky, and Sam Harris
In this captivating discussion, Steven Pinker, a renowned psychologist and linguist known for his work on language and human nature, joins Peter Glinos, a collaborator in the upcoming documentary Better Left Unsaid. The conversation dives into the complexities of contemporary leftist ideologies, highlighting issues like identity politics and the hostility towards capitalism in academia. They explore the interplay of tribalism and Enlightenment ideals, and challenge traditional views of progress, advocating for a balanced approach that embraces reason and human rights.
9 snips
Jul 2, 2020 • 43min
Noam Chomsky on Jordan Peterson, Post-Modernism, Foucault and Ali G
Join Noam Chomsky, the renowned linguist and political activist, as he delves into hot topics like postmodernism and the ideological shifts of the political left. Chomsky critiques the Democratic Party's disconnect from the working class and the evolution of identity politics. He offers insights on free speech, touching upon the controversial views of Jordan Peterson. Plus, there's an intriguing discussion on how academia often aligns with power structures. Chomsky's witty commentary even includes a nod to Ali G, making for a captivating listen!
