Scott Aaronson, Joscha Bach, and Priya Natarajan discuss whether we have the necessary tools for understanding the origins of the universe.
Whether it be the Big Bang or any other theory, can we ever be sure that our explanations for the existence of the universe are correct?
With a free trial, you can watch the full debate NOW at
The mystery of how the universe began, and why there is something rather than nothing, is a puzzle that has perplexed scientists, philosophers, and theologians from the outset of thought. Even Hawking declared science ‘cannot answer why there should be a universe’. But is there a risk that we have failed to recognise the wider significance of this deep puzzle? The hugely influential philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that the ideas that the universe has a beginning or has no beginning, are equally incoherent. He concluded that human thought is not capable of describing what he called ‘transcendent reality’.
Should we see our failure to provide an answer to the beginning of the universe as evidence of a fundamental limitation of thought? As a result, are our accounts of the world and science itself, mere versions of a reality that in the end lies beyond our comprehension? Or was Kant wrong, and a solution to the mystery conceivable even if it has not yet been framed?
#astrophysics #bigbang #universe
Scott Aaronson is a world renowned quantum complexity theorist and Associate Professor at MIT. He currently works at OpenAI, where he researches the theoretical foundations of AI safety. Joscha Bach is a computer scientist and AI researcher for MIT and the Harvard Program for Evolutionary Dynamics. With a mission to build a model of the mind, Bach is at the forefront of the creation of Strong AI. Priya Natarajan is a Professor of Astrophysics at Yale University and has been just named as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 most influential people in 2024 for her groundbreaking work in the field.
Hosted by British mechanical engineer, media broadcaster, producer, and author, Shini Somara.
The Institute of Art and Ideas features videos and articles from cutting edge thinkers discussing the ideas that are shaping the world, from metaphysics to string theory, technology to democracy, aesthetics to genetics. Subscribe today!
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Can we ever be sure of our explanations
00:30 Scott Aaronson
02:27 Joscha Bach
04:06 Priya Natarajan
05:44 The importance of distinguishing the questions
06:14 There doesn’t have to be a Big Bang
07:04 There is no ‘ultimate answer’
For debates and talks:
For articles:
For courses:
The Institute of Art and Ideas
source
