Perspectives on the Theory of Everything with Eric Weinstein, Sabine Hossenfelder, & Lee Smolin

Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Brian Keating

Science, Physics, Natural Sciences

4.7 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 8 August 2024

⏱️ 84 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Are we any closer to understanding the fundamental nature of reality? Experimental evidence for any current Theory of Everything is, at best, inconclusive. This is perhaps the greatest fundamental challenge facing physics. That lack of progress has opened up a sea of controversy. In this thought-provoking episode, I joined forces with Matt O’Dowd to debate some of the brightest minds in theoretical physics on the complexities surrounding the quest for a Theory of Everything. We were joined by Eric Weinstein, Sabine Hossenfelder, and Lee Smolin, We discussed the historical context and current challenges of unifying quantum mechanics with gravity, and the need for fresh perspectives and a broader range of approaches. Tune in! — Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction to the quest for a theory of everything 03:35 Lee Smolin explains different meanings of "theory of everything" 07:22 Sabina Hossenfelder discusses approaches to quantum gravity 18:38 Eric Weinstein critiques the current state of theoretical physics 34:38 Debate on the role of beauty in physics theories 48:37 Discussion on the testability of quantum gravity theories 59:15 Eric Weinstein explains aspects of his geometric unity theory 1:14:19 Debate on resource allocation in physics research 1:20:25 Advice for young aspiring physicists — Additional resources: Connect with: ➡️ Sabine Hossenfelder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SabineHossenfelder Lost in Math: How Beauty Led Physics Astray: https://amzn.to/3kL9huy ➡️ Eric Weinstein The Portal Podcast: https://ericweinstein.org/ The Portal Wiki: https://projects.theportal.wiki/ ➡️ Lee Smolin The Trouble With Physics: https://amzn.to/3agWJpH Einstein's Unfinished Revolution: https://amzn.to/30LW7VV —-- ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating 🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/ 🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast — Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
0:11.6	Open the pod bay doors.
0:15.0	Hello everyone.
0:17.0	So this is the second in our very unusual two-part series here on space time.
0:22.0	Our great quest to understand the universe
0:25.1	to find the mechanics of base reality and to understand why our universe exists at all
0:30.0	seem to be at an impasse for the past century after the great revolutions of
0:35.6	relativity and quantum mechanics. So together with Professor Brian Keating,
0:42.1	astrophysicist and friend, we're joining forces to bring together some of the leading researchers in particle physics and in cosmology to look for a way forward.
0:54.0	Brian, great to have you on space time again.
0:56.0	It's wonderful to be back with you and all of our esteemed guests.
1:00.0	It's a real treat and thrill for me.
1:02.0	Last time we had an amazing lineup.
1:06.0	We had Max Tegmark, we had James Beecham and Stephen Alexander,
1:10.0	and I think we really, you know, started to converge on some useful thoughts.
1:16.5	I really encourage you to go back and watch that.
1:19.6	It's only 90 minutes long, as we'll be today's.
1:22.4	But today, our luminaries are no less luminous and
1:28.1	I'm just going to give you a few words on on each of the people we have here today.
1:32.1	My pleasure is to introduce Eric Weinstein. on each of the people we have here today.
1:32.6	My pleasure is to introduce Eric Weinstein,
1:35.6	who is a very unique case holding a PhD
	...

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