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Big Think
By bigthinkEducation
Big Think episodes
- Sean Carroll explains why physics is both simple and impossible | Full Interview
“I like to say that physics is hard because physics is easy, by which I mean we actually think about physics as students.”
Physics seems complicated, until you realize why it works so well, says physicist Sean Carroll, revealing the basis of the field’s greatest successes: Radical simplicity.Carroll takes us from Newton’s clockwork universe to Laplace’s demon, to Einstein’s spacetime revolution, exploring the historical shockwaves each breakthrough caused. If you’ve wondered how stripping the world down to its simplest parts can reveal deeper truths, this is where that story begins.00:00:00 Radical simplicity in physics00:00:55 Chapter 1: The physics of free will00:04:55 Laplace’s Demon00:06:27 The clockwork universe paradigm00:07:41 Determinism and compatibilism00:08:45 Chapter 2: The invention of spacetime00:17:30: Einstein’s general theory of relativity00:24:27 Chapter 3: The quantum revolution00:28:05 The 2 biggest ideas in physics00:32:27 Visualizing physics00:38:17 Quantum field theory00:46:51 The Higgs boson particle00:47:28 The standard model of particle physics00:52:53 The core theory of physics01:02:03 The measurement problem01:13:47 Chapter 4: The power of collective genius01:16:19 A timeline of the theories of physics----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Sean Carroll:Dr. Sean Carroll is Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy — in effect, a joint appointment between physics and philosophy — at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and fractal faculty at the Santa Fe Institute. Most of his career has been spent doing research on cosmology, field theory, and gravitation, looking at topics such as dark matter and dark energy, modified gravity, topological defects, extra dimensions, and violations of fundamental symmetries. These days, his focus has shifted to more foundational questions, both in quantum mechanics (origin of probability, emergence of space and time) and statistical mechanics (entropy and the arrow of time, emergence and causation, dynamics of complexity), bringing a more philosophical dimension to his work.----------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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1 hr 34 min - Anxiety evolved to help us — what went wrong? A neuroscientist explains. | Wendy Suzuki
Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki explains why zero anxiety isn’t the goal.
Anxiety is a feature of evolution, not a bug. That doesn’t make it less uncomfortable, though. The good news is that we can harness it to our benefit, says Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and the author of "Good Anxiety." By tapping into what she calls the six “superpowers” of anxiety, we can redirect these uncomfortable feelings into positive outcomes.Suzuki explains the neurological root of anxiety, including how the amygdala automatically activates when we are scared or stressed. To make matters worse, the prefrontal cortex — the rational, executive function center of the brain — shuts down when we need it most.But we’re not powerless against our brain, and there are techniques we can use, like cognitive flexibility, to make our anxiety work for us.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Wendy Suzuki:Dr. Wendy A. Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University. She received her undergraduate degree in Physiology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Berkeley in 1987, studying with Prof. Marion C. Diamond, a leader in the field of brain plasticity. She went on to earn her Ph.D. In Neuroscience from U.C. San Diego in 1993 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health before accepting her faculty position at New York University in 1998. Dr. Suzuki is author of the book Healthy Brain, Happy Life: A Personal Program to Activate Your Brain and Do Everything Better.--------------------
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11 min - Brian Cox on how black holes could unlock the mysteries of our universe
When black holes disappear, what happens to the stuff that fell in? Physicist Brian Cox explains.
Brian Cox explains the significance of black holes in the quest for a quantum theory of gravity and a deeper understanding of space and time. According to Cox, black holes are intriguing because they challenge the compatibility of quantum theory and general relativity, creating a fundamental clash in our understanding of nature. Unifying these two pillars of physics is a major goal for theoretical physicists, and black holes are crucial in this pursuit.He also delves into the characteristics of black holes, describing the event horizon as a boundary between the external universe and the interior of the black hole.In conclusion, he says, black holes play a pivotal role in our understanding of the universe, pushing scientists to explore the nature of space, time, and the fundamental laws of physics. They offer a glimpse into something deeply hidden, potentially leading to a profound shift in our comprehension of reality.-----------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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18 min - The delusion of individual control, explained through chaos theory | Brian Klaas
“When you think about this interconnection of all these tiny causes and effects which add up to the way the world unfolds, it becomes impossible to imagine that we have complete control.”
Could the tiniest ripple in time alter the future of our universe? Can the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings really cause a hurricane? Professor and political scientist Brian Klaas dives into the deep waters of chaos theory.From the myth of total control to the limits of predictability, Brian Klaas traces how the butterfly effect challenges the illusion of individual agency.Chapters:-
0:00 Do we have complete control?0:20 The origin of The Butterfly Effect2:22 The delusion of individualism2:42 Laplace’s Demon3:42 Predicting the future----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Brian Klaas:Dr. Brian Klaas is an Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London, an affiliate researcher at the University of Oxford, and a contributing writer for The Atlantic. He is also the author five books, including Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters (2024) and Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us (2021). Klaas writes the popular The Garden of Forking Paths Substack and created the award-winning Power Corrupts podcast, which has been downloaded roughly three million times.Klaas is an expert on democracy, authoritarianism, American politics, political violence, elections, and the nature of power. Additionally, his research interests include contingency, chaos theory, evolutionary biology, the philosophy of science and social science, and complex systems. In addition to Fluke and Corruptible, Klaas authored three earlier books: The Despot's Apprentice: Donald Trump's Attack on Democracy (Hurst & Co, 2017); The Despot's Accomplice: How the West is Aiding & Abetting the Decline of Democracy, (Oxford University Press, 2016) and How to Rig an Election (Yale University Press, co-authored with Professor Nic Cheeseman; 2018).--------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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9 min - What is effective altruism? Philosopher Peter Singer explains.
Effective altruism isn’t just for the rich. Philosopher Peter Singer shares how we can all be better at doing “good.”
Peter Singer, author of "Famine, Affluence and Morality,” talks about the benefits of effective altruism and our moral obligation to help others.Effective altruism focuses on raising the minimum living standards and encourages everyone, not just the wealthy, to give and find happiness in contributing to a better world. Singer breaks down the history of the effective altruism movement and shares the example of Zell Kravinsky, who donated most of his wealth and a kidney to a stranger, exemplifying the practice.Singer also emphasizes the need to do thorough research before donating to any cause to ensure the greatest good.------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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13 min - How math brings incredible meaning to everything in our universe | Talithia Williams
What does math have to do with theology? According to Dr. Talithia Williams, a math professor and science communicator, quite a lot.
In just under three minutes, Williams explains how mathematics connects the natural world with deeper ideas of order and purpose. Math, she says, helps us make sense of everything from the migration of fish to the patterns we see in nature, uncovering the structure of our universe.
Dr. Williams believes math is more than just numbers—it’s a universal language that offers insights into our existence. This intersection of math, nature, and culture reveals something deep and profound about our lives and the purpose behind them.
About Dr. Talithia Williams:
Talithia Williams, PhD, is a Professor of Mathematics and the Mathematics Clinic Director at Harvey Mudd College. She develops statistical models focused on environmental issues, including a cataract model for the World Health Organization to predict surgical rates in Africa.
Known for making complex numerical concepts accessible, Williams inspires others through her dedication to STEM education. Williams has worked with NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the National Security Agency (NSA).
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5 min - Can you trust your memory? This neuroscientist isn’t so sure | André Fenton
There are three kinds of memory that all work together to shape your reality. Neuroscientist André Fenton explains.
Neuroscientist André Fenton discusses the intricate relationship between memory, perception, and reality, shedding light on the complexity of human cognition.Fenton believes memories are not fixed but are continually modified by our experiences and mindsets.This, in his mind, underscores the importance of humility and empathy in acknowledging the fallibility of our memories and the need to consider different perspectives in our quest for truth.------------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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10 min - How to see math like art, so you can appreciate it fully | Talithia Williams
If you’ve taken a math class, it’s likely you’ve asked yourself “What am I really going to use this for?” Mathematician Talithia Williams has the answer.
The key to understanding math outside of the classroom, Dr. Williams explains, is appreciating how beautiful it really is. Much like taking an art appreciation class, if one were to take a course that highlights the real-world applications of mathematics without the pressure of daunting calculations, complex equations, or graded tests.
According to Dr. Williams, taking a course like this would reveal the aesthetic qualities of numbers and their values, and could transform our perception of math from being a subject to pass to a tool for understanding the world.
About Dr. Talithia Williams:
Talithia Williams, PhD, is a Professor of Mathematics and the Mathematics Clinic Director at Harvey Mudd College. She develops statistical models focused on environmental issues, including a cataract model for the World Health Organization to predict surgical rates in Africa.
Known for making complex numerical concepts accessible, Williams inspires others through her dedication to STEM education. Williams has worked with NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the National Security Agency (NSA).
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4 min - The ocean is evolving, and it’s not based on the ‘survival of the fittest’
What if evolution isn’t just about the strongest winning?
Astrobiologist Betül Kaçar explains that life survives by working together, not just by competing. To elaborate, she uses an example about microbes in the Black Sea that help other organisms by sharing energy. True evolution, she says, is not about being the best alone, it’s about connection, cooperation, and learning to live together.-------------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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5 min - Stanford professor on the future of life-saving medicine | Steve Quake
What if AI could tell us we have cancer before we show a single symptom? Steve Quake, head of science at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, explains how AI can revolutionize science.
AI can help us understand complex systems like our cells. Better. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is committed to building one of the world’s biggest non-profit life science AI computing clusters to help build digital models of what goes wrong in cells when we get diseases like diabetes or cancer and more.We created this video in partnership with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Steve Quake:Steve Quake oversees a shared, comprehensive strategy across the CZ Science program and technology teams, the CZ Biohub Network, and the Chan Zuckerberg Institute for Advanced Biological Imaging.His research is at the nexus of biology, physics, and technology development. He has invented many measurement tools for biology, including new DNA sequencing technologies that have enabled rapid analysis of the human genome, and microfluidic automation that allows scientists to efficiently isolate cells for single-cell biology.Quake is also the Lee Otterson Professor of Bioengineering and professor of applied physics at Stanford University. He joined Stanford in 2005 to help found and lead Stanford’s then-new bioengineering department as it grew to nearly two dozen faculty members. He was an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute from 2006 to 2016.-----------------------------------------------------06:30-19
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7 min
About Big Think
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Get actionable lessons from the world’s greatest thinkers & doers. Our experts are either disrupting or leading their respective fields. We aim to help you explore the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century, so you can apply them to the questions and challenges in your own life.
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