What is infinity?
CrowdScience
BBC
4.8 • 1K Ratings
🗓️ 17 January 2020
⏱️ 34 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Is there something bigger than infinity? Does quantum mechanics affect how I think? And why can I suddenly do algebra? As ever, we’re not afraid to tackle the big questions on CrowdScience. After a previous episode about the relationship between mathematics and reality, we received a flood of profound and difficult questions, so we dive back into the world of maths, physics and philosophy to try and answer them. A panel of experts help us puzzle out whether some infinities are bigger than others - and why that matters, as well as what quantum mechanics can teach us about the workings of the brain. And we seek answers for one of our listeners who surprised himself by being able to figure out mathematics equations he previously found unfathomable. With philosopher of physics Dr Eleanor Knox, mathematician Dr Katie Steckles, and Dr Aldo Faisal, an expert in neurotechnology.
Presented by Marnie Chesterton Produced by Cathy Edwards for the BBC World Service
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| 0:00.0 | Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix, the Science of |
| 0:07.0 | Happiness Podcast. |
| 0:08.0 | For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want |
| 0:14.4 | to share that science with you. |
| 0:16.1 | And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley. |
| 0:19.4 | I want to help you tap in to your hidden relaxation response system and open the door to that |
| 0:25.4 | calmer place within. Listen on BBC Sounds. |
| 0:30.4 | Truth, infinityinity, quantum uncertainty. Welcome to crowd science from the BBC World Service |
| 0:38.9 | where we're not afraid to take on even the most excruciatingly difficult of your science questions. |
| 0:44.4 | And we're not even doing one this week. |
| 0:46.6 | We're attempting four. |
| 0:48.4 | January is normally the time to challenge yourself. |
| 0:51.2 | Most people join a gym, but on this show we're going to challenge your mind. Most people join a gym, but on this show we're going to challenge your mind. |
| 0:55.0 | I'm Marnie Chesterton, and when I say we, I mean mainly this panel of highly intelligent experts in the studio with me. |
| 1:03.2 | I'll introduce them in just a moment, |
| 1:04.8 | but let's dive into the sort of thing they'll be talking about. |
| 1:08.6 | The biggest question ever coming up from Juan Carlos. |
| 1:13.0 | Hi crowd science. |
| 1:14.7 | I am Juan Carlos |
| 1:16.7 | Maurice from Peru, and I have some questions about infinity. |
| 1:21.2 | Is it a number? Are some infinities bigger than others? And why does that matter in reality? |
| 1:28.0 | Thank you, Juan Carlos. I just want to mention that as a show that takes on your questions crowd science often becomes a dialogue |
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