Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (podcaster-provided):
In The Universe Speaks in Numbers award-winning science writer Graham Farmelo is in conversation with some of the great names in modern physics and mathematics. Among the interviewees are Michael Atiyah, Ruth Britto, Lance Dixon, Simon Donaldson, Freeman Dyson, Juan Maldacena, Michela Massimi, Roger Penrose, Martin Rees, Simon Schaffer and Edward Witten.To read more see Graham's book The Universe Speaks in Numbers: How Modern Maths Reveals Nature's Deepest Secrets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Conversations with leading physicists and mathematicians • Interplay between mathematics and physics • Symmetry breaking, string theory, scattering amplitudes • Philosophical insights on scientific developments • Physics history and philosophyThe podcast "The Universe Speaks in Numbers" features conversations between award-winning science writer Graham Farmelo and prominent figures in the fields of physics and mathematics. This series delves into the intricate relationship between these two disciplines, exploring how modern mathematics offers insights into fundamental aspects of the universe. Across various episodes, Farmelo engages with leading scientists and mathematicians such as theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and philosophers of science to uncover the ways in which mathematical concepts illuminate our understanding of natural laws.
The discussions often center on pivotal topics in contemporary science, including symmetry breaking, the development of the Standard Model of particle physics, string theory, and gauge theory. Listeners can gain insight into groundbreaking ideas such as the multiverse, black holes, and field theory, and learn how these concepts continue to influence theoretical and experimental physics. Episodes also address the evolution of theoretical frameworks and the role of mathematical discoveries in advancing scientific thought.
A recurring theme is the synergy between physics and mathematics, characterized as a "mysterious harmony" by several interviewees. Some discussions emphasize newfound relationships between quantum field theories and string frameworks, as well as the notion of "physical mathematics." Additionally, the podcast sheds light on the personal journeys of these experts, their career milestones, and their perspectives on the future of fundamental physics. The series provides an engaging platform for discussing the state of modern science and the promising potential of collaborative efforts between mathematicians and physicists, manifesting the core theme outlined in Farmelo's book, "The Universe Speaks in Numbers: How Modern Maths Reveals Nature's Deepest Secrets."
