A Philosophical Guide to the Cosmos
If ever there was a timeless philosophical question, “What is the ultimate nature of the universe?” must count as one of the most fascinating. Although the Ancients pondered this question and came up with their own answers, contemporary cosmology suggests that most of what they believed was wrong. Yet as our scientific knowledge of the universe expands, some of the greatest mysteries only deepen.
In this eight-episode series, sponsored by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation, we invite listeners on a grand philosophical journey through the cosmos, tackling deeply puzzling questions about the nature of the universe, and our knowledge of it.
What is the origin of the universe? What exactly are space and time? Could the laws of physics ever change? Is the universe fine-tuned to support intelligent life? What are dark matter and dark energy? Are we part of a multiverse? How does science make progress in answering these questions? And are there limits to what we can ultimately know about the nature of the cosmos?
The Ancient Cosmos – When the Earth Stood Still
Carlo Rovelli, Professor of Physics, Aix-Marseille University
Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
Author and Essayist Jim Holt
The Big Bang – Before and After
Matter and Energy – The Dark Side
Priyamvada Natarajan, Professor of Astronomy, Yale University
The Mystery of the Multiverse
George Ellis, Professor of Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town
The Space-Time Continuum
Could the Laws of Physics Ever Change?
