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Latest episodes

11 snips
May 5, 2021 • 2min
Make Bold Guesses and Weed Out Failures
Dive into the importance of creativity in driving innovation and developing theories. Discover how trial and error shape complex systems, with historical examples showcasing creative breakthroughs. Learn why embracing bold guesses is essential for advancing both scientific ideas and practical applications. Explore how thinking outside the box can lead to unexpected solutions and breakthroughs.

5 snips
May 3, 2021 • 3min
Theories Are Explanations, Not Predictions
Explore the intriguing distinction between scientific explanations and predictions. The discussion delves into how understanding the reasons behind phenomena, like heating water, is more valuable than merely extrapolating from data. This deeper comprehension enables clearer insights and better decision-making. Tune in for a thought-provoking examination of how we conceptualize knowledge!

5 snips
Apr 30, 2021 • 2min
Science Is an Error-Correcting Mechanism
Discover the intriguing shortcomings of induction in scientific reasoning and how they challenge our understanding of the future. The black swan example serves as a powerful metaphor for unpredictability, highlighting that past patterns don't guarantee future outcomes. Dive into the concept of science as a dynamic error-correcting mechanism, showcasing its ability to adapt and refine our knowledge over time.

6 snips
Apr 28, 2021 • 2min
Science Broadens Our Vision of Reality
Dive into the intriguing realm of the multiverse, where every universe operates under shared physical laws. Discover how our perception of reality has evolved throughout history. This exploration reveals the continuous expansion of our understanding of the cosmos and challenges us to rethink what we know.

5 snips
Apr 26, 2021 • 1min
We Explain the Seen in Terms of the Unseen
Dive into the clash between what we can see and the unseen forces that shape our understanding of science. Delve into fascinating topics like the mysteries behind dinosaurs and the complexities of stellar fusion. Challenge your perceptions as the hosts reveal how much of science relies on concepts that go beyond direct observation, urging listeners to rethink the very foundations of scientific inquiry.

Apr 21, 2021 • 2min
The Multiverse
Dive into the mind-bending world of quantum particles and the double-slit experiment. Discover how observing particles shifts their behavior in ways that defy classical physics. Explore the tantalizing implications of unseen influences and the potential existence of parallel universes. This conversation takes a deep look at the very fabric of reality, challenging our understanding of the universe.

6 snips
Apr 19, 2021 • 3min
Is Light a Particle or a Wave?
Dive into the intriguing nature of light as the discussion centers on its dual identity as both a particle and a wave. The conversation unpacks the quantum double slit experiment, revealing the complexities of light's behavior. Historical perspectives and the philosophical implications of quantum physics are also examined, featuring insights from Einstein's realist viewpoint. This exploration challenges our understanding and perception of reality itself.

4 snips
Apr 16, 2021 • 2min
Probability Is Subjective
Dive into the intriguing concept of probability and how it intertwines with human ignorance and determinism. Explore the fascinating idea that uncertainty might just be an illusion, thanks to the multiverse, where every possible outcome actually happens. This thought-provoking discussion will challenge your understanding of reality and the nature of chance.

4 snips
Apr 14, 2021 • 2min
We Can’t Prove Most Theorems with Known Physics
Explore the fascinating intersection of mathematics and physical reality, where the limits of physics restrict what can be proven mathematically. Dive into Gödel's theorem and Turing's insightful proofs, revealing that countless theorems may remain unprovable. Discover how these mathematical constraints challenge our understanding of the universe and question the relevance of many established mathematical ideas. This thought-provoking discussion will make you rethink the relationship between math and the physical world.

Apr 12, 2021 • 2min
Every Mathematical Theory Is Held Inside a Physical Substrate
Explore the intriguing resolution of Zeno's Paradox, where the interplay of physics and mathematics reveals the challenges of infinite divisibility. The discussion contrasts theoretical ideas with the constraints of the physical universe, shedding light on how our understanding of space and time is shaped by real-world laws. This conversation dives deep into the essence of mathematical theory and its tangible implications.