Podcasts about Lightman

Our sponsor for this episode is Microsoft. Want seamless collaboration without the cost? Microsoft Teams offers a robust free plan for individuals that delivers unlimited chat, 60-minute video meetings, and file sharing—all within one intuitive workspace that keeps your projects moving forward. Head to ⁠https://aka.ms/every⁠ to use Teams for free, and experience effortless collaboration, today.AI forces us to reckon with what makes us human—a question caught between science and spirituality that MIT's Dr. Alan Lightman is uniquely placed to explore.Dr. Lightman is a physicist, bestselling novelist, and professor of the practice of humanities at MIT. As one of the first at MIT to hold a joint faculty position in both the sciences and the humanities, he's at ease walking the line between the two disciplines.I loved Dr. Lightman's book Einstein's Dreams, so I was psyched to have him on the show. We spent an hour talking about:Being a “spiritual materialist”: Dr. Lightman's philosophy that knowing the scientific explanation for natural phenomena—like spiderwebs and lightning bolts—deepens our experience and feeling of wonder.The nature of consciousness: He believes that consciousness is a subjective experience emerging from the tangible activity of billions of neurons firing in our brains.AI isn't conscious, even though it might appear to be: AI might display manifestations of consciousness—like the ability to plan for the future—but whether it has an inner experience in the truest sense is a fundamentally different question.Challenge your conceptions of what “natural” means: Dr. Lightman argues that since humans evolved through natural selection, everything our brains create—from eyeglasses and hearing aids to AI—can be considered “natural” as they are inevitable consequences of our naturally evolved intelligenceAI that can do more than just data retrieval: Modern neural networks begin to approximate something resembling genuine thinking because the “digital neurons” process information in complex, non-linear ways.Evolution that blurs the lines between biology and technology: Dr. Lightman argues we're driving our own evolution toward the “homo techno,” hybrid beings that merge human and machine; early examples include brain implants that enable paralyzed individuals to control robotic limbs.Dr. Lightman also recently published a new book called The Miraculous From the Material, a collection of essays that combine scientific explanations of natural phenomena with his personal reflections on them. It has tons of striking pictures that you should check out.This is a must watch for anyone interested in science, spirituality, and what it means to be human in the age of AI.If you found this episode interesting, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Want even more?Sign up for Every to unlock our ultimate guide to prompting ChatGPT here: https://every.ck.page/ultimate-guide-to-prompting-chatgpt. It's usually only for paying subscribers, but you can get it here for free.To hear more from Dan Shipper:Subscribe to Every: https://every.to/subscribe Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/danshipper Timestamps:Introduction: 00:01:18Science can deepen your sense of the spiritual: 00:02:36The nature of consciousness: 00:11:31AI might appear to be conscious, but it isn't: 00:13:11Why AI can be considered to be “natural”: 00:19:50AI shifts the focus of science from explanations to predictions: 00:30:40How modern neural networks simulate thinking: 00:33:48Lightman's vision for how humans and machines will merge: 00:39:38 Does AI know more about love than you?: 00:43:11How technology is accelerating the pace of our lives: 00:49:18Links to resources mentioned:Alan Lightman: https://cmsw.mit.edu/alan-lightman/ Lightman's books: The Miraculous From the Material, Einstein's DreamsHis documentary: Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of ScienceWalt Whitman's poem: When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer

Ako a kedy vznikol špiritizmus? Kto boli prví krotitelia duchov? A ako to všetko súvisí s diskusiami o vedeckom naturalizme?  ----more---- Súvisiace dávky: PD#298: Kniha, čo šokovala vitkoriánsky svet PD#234: Čo má Hume proti zázrakom? PD#232: Vyženie veda náboženské príbehy? PD#204: Naturalizmus Použité alebo odporúčané zdroje:   Davies - The Haunted, 2007. Lightman (ed.), Victorian Scientific Naturalism, 2014. Noakes, Physics and Psychics, 2019. Oppenheim, The Other World, 1985. Raia, The New Prometheans, 2019. Stenger, Physics and Psychics, 1990.    ***   Baví ťa s nami rozmýšľať? Umožni tvorbu a pokračovanie podcastu na SK2811000000002943116091. Ďakujeme! 

Alan Lightman likes to look at things very closely. Lightman is a physicist at MIT who has written 7 novels including the best-selling Einstein's Dreams. Lightman, who writes poetry in his spare time, calls himself a spiritual materialist. That's a belief that you can find the spiritual within the realm of science. Lightman was also the host of the PBS television series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. His latest book is called The Miraculous from the Material. It contains essays about the marvels of the universe like Mandarin fish, the northern lights and the Rings of Saturn. “Now What?” is produced with the help of Steve Zimmer, Lucy Little and Jackie Schwartz. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.

In this episode, Christine Mason hosts Dr. Alan Lightman, a distinguished physicist, novelist, and essayist, to discuss his exploration of the intersection of science, beauty, wonder, and spirituality. Key highlights include:Alan Lightman's Works and Legacy: Insights from his celebrated books like Einstein's Dreams, which delves into imaginative interpretations of time, and his more recent works, The Transcendent Brain and The Miraculous from the Material, both advocating for “spiritual materialism.”Spiritual Materialism: Dr. Lightman explains his belief that human experiences, rooted in the material brain, do not lose their wonder when scientifically understood but are instead enhanced.Mystery and Awe: Discussion on how scientific knowledge deepens emotional and spiritual experiences. Dr. Lightman shares personal reflections on the value of mystery, his unity consciousness experience, and the role of humility in science.Natural Phenomena: Fascinating scientific explanations of phenomena like rainbows, the Aurora Borealis, and hummingbird flight are presented, emphasizing their inherent beauty and their grounding in physical laws.Creativity Across Disciplines: Dr. Lightman reflects on how creativity bridges writing and scientific research, the shared experience of “flow,” and the importance of going deeply into one field while preserving multidisciplinary interests.Mortality and Legacy: Insights into his upcoming novel addressing mortality and preparing for “nothingness” through the perspectives of various disciplines, inspired by his own reflections on aging and what constitutes a meaningful life.Cultural and Evolutionary Perspectives: Explorations of beauty as an evolutionary trait and its broader implications on human perception, alongside discussions about Homo sapiens evolving into a “techno” species and ethical considerations of such transformations.The episode weaves together scientific inquiry, spiritual wonder, and philosophical depth, encouraging listeners to embrace a worldview that integrates awe and material reality.Please explore Dr. Lightman's works and reflect on how this episode may have sparked new understandings of time, wonder, or the miraculous. Thank you to Rosewoman.com and Radiantfarms.us for your support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks sits down with Dr. Alan Lightman to explore "spiritual materialism," the idea that we can embrace awe-inspiring, spiritual moments without turning to the supernatural for explanations. Dr. Lightman shares insights from his new book, The Miraculous From the Material: Understanding the Wonders of Nature, and delves into profound topics like consciousness, near-death experiences, the possibility of a higher power, immortality, relationships, and whether falling in love leaves space for magic. If you love pondering life's biggest questions, this episode is a must-listen.Dr. Lightman is a renowned physicist, author, and entrepreneur. A former Harvard faculty member and current professor at MIT, he holds a degree from Princeton University and a PhD in physics from Caltech. He's the bestselling author of the modern classic Einstein's Dreams, The Diagnosis, The Transcendental Brain, and The Accidental Universe. Dr. Lightman also hosts the acclaimed PBS series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. Since 2023, he is a member of the United Nations' Scientific Advisory Board.This episode is sponsored by Greco Gum, the all-natural chewing gum for your mouth and gut. Visit GrecoGum.com and use code ERIN15 to get 15% off your first order!*New* SUBSCRIBE for Causes or Cures+ Bonus Episodes & Monthly Live Q&As!You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com.Follow Eeks on Instagram here.Or Facebook here.Or X.On Youtube.Or TikTok.SUBSCRIBE to her monthly newsletter here. Support the show

On this week's edition of The Verb, Ian McMillan gathers together - Wendy Cope - the poet whose 1986 debut collection "Making Cocoa For Kingsley Amis" became that rare thing - a poetry best seller. As her first collected poems are published she reflects on poetry forms and why some of her old poems are making their first public appearance in her new book.Ira Lightman, poet and artist, reflects on the nature of the epic. A marathon endeavour for poets and readers, it's usually seen as an ancient style but it is a form of poetry that contemporary poets continue to embrace including Ira himself.Susie Dent, known for her ability to find just the right word, discusses her new novel, Guilty By Definition in which a group of lexicographers use their dictionary-making skills to solve a mystery.Theresa Lola, former Young People's Laureate for London reads from her new collection, Ceremony for the Nameless, a poetry disquisition on the subject of naming. Presenter: Ian McMillan Producer: Ekene Akalawu

In this episode, sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan interviews MIT Physicist Dr. Alan Lightman about his spiritual materialism.Alan Lightman is an American physicist, writer, and social entrepreneur. He holds a PhD in physics from Caltech. He has served on the faculties of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was the first person at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and in the humanities. He is currently professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. Lightman is the recipient of six honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of numerous books, both nonfiction and fiction, including Einstein's Dreams, an international bestseller, and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. His essays concern the intersection of science, culture, philosophy, and theology. Lightman is the host of the public television series “SEARCHING: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,” funded by the John Templeton Foundation. In 2005, Lightman founded Harpswell, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering young women leaders in Southeast Asia, and he has served as chair of its board. In August 2023, Lightman was appointed a member of the United Nations' Scientific Advisory Board. His latest book is The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (2023).In this second part of our conversation, we talk about:The limits of scientific inquiryHow to interpret spiritual experiencesThe concept of creative transcendenceWhy spirituality matters for us allAlan's humanitarian work To learn more about Alan and his work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lightman-6bb7191b6Website: https://cmsw.mit.edu/alan-lightman/Email: lightman@mit.eduBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APY6Q4Scientific Publications: https://cmsw.mit.edu/alan-lightman/#SCIENTIFIC%20PUBLICATIONSHarpswell Organization: https://harpswell.org/ This episode is sponsored by:John Templeton Foundation (https://www.templeton.org/) andTempleton Religion Trust (https://templetonreligiontrust.org/)Support the show

In this episode, sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan interviews MIT Physicist Dr. Alan Lightman about his spiritual materialism.Alan Lightman is an American physicist, writer, and social entrepreneur. He holds a PhD in physics from Caltech. He has served on the faculties of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was the first person at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and in the humanities. He is currently professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. Lightman is the recipient of six honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of numerous books, both nonfiction and fiction, including Einstein's Dreams, an international bestseller, and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. His essays concern the intersection of science, culture, philosophy, and theology. Lightman is the host of the public television series “SEARCHING: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,” funded by the John Templeton Foundation. In 2005, Lightman founded Harpswell, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering young women leaders in Southeast Asia, and he has served as chair of its board. In August 2023, Lightman was appointed a member of the United Nations' Scientific Advisory Board. His latest book is The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (2023).In this first part of our conversation, we talk about:Balancing interests in art and science from a young ageThe role of beauty in scientific discoveryAlan's concept of spiritual materialismTranscendence and the Hindu concept of "darshan"To learn more about Adam and his work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lightman-6bb7191b6Website: https://cmsw.mit.edu/alan-lightman/Email: lightman@mit.eduBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APY6Q4Scientific Publications: https://cmsw.mit.edu/alan-lightman/#SCIENTIFIC%20PUBLICATIONSHarpswell Organization: https://harpswell.org/ This episode is sponsored by:John Templeton Foundation (https://www.templeton.org/) andTempleton Religion Trust (https://templetonreligiontrust.org/)Support the show

Combining LLMs with AlphaGo-style deep reinforcement learning has been a holy grail for many leading AI labs, and with o1 (aka Strawberry) we are seeing the most general merging of the two modes to date. o1 is admittedly better at math than essay writing, but it has already achieved SOTA on a number of math, coding and reasoning benchmarks. Deep RL legend and now OpenAI researcher Noam Brown and teammates Ilge Akkaya and Hunter Lightman discuss the ah-ha moments on the way to the release of o1, how it uses chains of thought and backtracking to think through problems, the discovery of strong test-time compute scaling laws and what to expect as the model gets better.  Hosted by: Sonya Huang and Pat Grady, Sequoia Capital  Mentioned in this episode: Learning to Reason with LLMs: Technical report accompanying the launch of OpenAI o1. Generator verifier gap: Concept Noam explains in terms of what kinds of problems benefit from more inference-time compute. Agent57: Outperforming the human Atari benchmark, 2020 paper where DeepMind demonstrated “the first deep reinforcement learning agent to obtain a score that is above the human baseline on all 57 Atari 2600 games.” Move 37: Pivotal move in AlphaGo's second game against Lee Sedol where it made a move so surprising that Sedol thought it must be a mistake, and only later discovered he had lost the game to a superhuman move. IOI competition: OpenAI entered o1 into the International Olympiad in Informatics and received a Silver Medal. System 1, System 2: The thesis if Danial Khaneman's pivotal book of behavioral economics, Thinking, Fast and Slow, that positied two distinct modes of thought, with System 1 being fast and instinctive and System 2 being slow and rational. AlphaZero: The predecessor to AlphaGo which learned a variety of games completely from scratch through self-play. Interestingly, self-play doesn't seem to have a role in o1. Solving Rubik's Cube with a robot hand: Early OpenAI robotics paper that Ilge Akkaya worked on. The Last Question: Science fiction story by Isaac Asimov with interesting parallels to scaling inference-time compute. Strawberry: Why? O1-mini: A smaller, more efficient version of 1 for applications that require reasoning without broad world knowledge. 00:00 - Introduction 01:33 - Conviction in o1 04:24 - How o1 works 05:04 - What is reasoning? 07:02 - Lessons from gameplay 09:14 - Generation vs verification 10:31 - What is surprising about o1 so far 11:37 - The trough of disillusionment 14:03 - Applying deep RL 14:45 - o1's AlphaGo moment? 17:38 - A-ha moments 21:10 - Why is o1 good at STEM? 24:10 - Capabilities vs usefulness 25:29 - Defining AGI 26:13 - The importance of reasoning 28:39 - Chain of thought 30:41 - Implication of inference-time scaling laws 35:10 - Bottlenecks to scaling test-time compute 38:46 - Biggest misunderstanding about o1? 41:13 - o1-mini 42:15 - How should founders think about o1?

It's finally here: the finale of season 5! 20 episodes later, we've gone on an exciting exploration together through the depths of digital health, the twists and turns medical technology, and the pathways through artificial intelligence. To wrap up the season, we're chatting with Dr. Alan Lightman, an accomplished physicist, novelist, and essayist. He was the first professor at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and humanities, so we'll be discussing the importance of connecting science and humanities in order to explore the world around us. Tune in as we journey through big ideas about the meaning of consciousness, humanity's role in the universe, and getting started as a kid interested in science.Check out Dr. Lightman's books: cmsw.mit.edu/profile/alan-lightman/ Read Dr. Lightman's articles in the Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/author/alan-lightman/

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) by Alan Lightman, set in Albert Einstein's “miracle year” of 1905, is a novel about the cultural interconnection of time, relativity and life. As the young genius creates his theory of relativity, in a series of dreams, he imagines other worlds, each with a different conceptualization of time. In one, time is circular, and people are destined to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, time stands still. In yet another, time is a nightingale, trapped by a bell jar. Translated into over thirty languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians and artists around the world. In poetic vignettes, Alan Lightman explores the connections between science and art, creativity and the rhythms of life, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. This conversation includes Alan Lightman (MIT), Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera and Annette Martínez-Iñesta, of the Departamento de Humanidades at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), and Joshua Chaparro Mata, a UPRM graduate and doctoral student in Applied Physics at Yale. They discuss dreaming as a scientific and creative resource; the importance of Berne, Switzerland, in the thought of Einstein and Lightman; Lightman's precise and harmonious poetics; the role of technology in contemporary life; and the course Lightman's life, experiences and creative process. This is the second of two episodes about Einstein's Dreams. The first, in Spanish, appeared on the New Books Network en español. The series is sponsored by the Lenguaje focal group at Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at UPRM, a group of scholars who consider how translanguaging ​​can provide unique dimensions to knowledge.  This episode and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at the UPRM have been supported by the Mellon Foundation. The conversation is part of the “STEM to STEAM” project of the “Cornerstone” initiative, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation, which stresses the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives in the sciences. Books, scholars, articles and podcasts mentioned in this conversation include: In Praise of Wasting Time, Alan Lightman. Mr g, Alan Lightman. Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino. Cities I've Never Lived In, Sara Majka. “Academic Life without a Smartphone,” Inside Higher Ed, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera. The Hemingway Society Podcast. Carlos Alberto Peón Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) by Alan Lightman, set in Albert Einstein's “miracle year” of 1905, is a novel about the cultural interconnection of time, relativity and life. As the young genius creates his theory of relativity, in a series of dreams, he imagines other worlds, each with a different conceptualization of time. In one, time is circular, and people are destined to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, time stands still. In yet another, time is a nightingale, trapped by a bell jar. Translated into over thirty languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians and artists around the world. In poetic vignettes, Alan Lightman explores the connections between science and art, creativity and the rhythms of life, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. This conversation includes Alan Lightman (MIT), Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera and Annette Martínez-Iñesta, of the Departamento de Humanidades at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), and Joshua Chaparro Mata, a UPRM graduate and doctoral student in Applied Physics at Yale. They discuss dreaming as a scientific and creative resource; the importance of Berne, Switzerland, in the thought of Einstein and Lightman; Lightman's precise and harmonious poetics; the role of technology in contemporary life; and the course Lightman's life, experiences and creative process. This is the second of two episodes about Einstein's Dreams. The first, in Spanish, appeared on the New Books Network en español. The series is sponsored by the Lenguaje focal group at Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at UPRM, a group of scholars who consider how translanguaging ​​can provide unique dimensions to knowledge.  This episode and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at the UPRM have been supported by the Mellon Foundation. The conversation is part of the “STEM to STEAM” project of the “Cornerstone” initiative, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation, which stresses the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives in the sciences. Books, scholars, articles and podcasts mentioned in this conversation include: In Praise of Wasting Time, Alan Lightman. Mr g, Alan Lightman. Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino. Cities I've Never Lived In, Sara Majka. “Academic Life without a Smartphone,” Inside Higher Ed, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera. The Hemingway Society Podcast. Carlos Alberto Peón Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) by Alan Lightman, set in Albert Einstein's “miracle year” of 1905, is a novel about the cultural interconnection of time, relativity and life. As the young genius creates his theory of relativity, in a series of dreams, he imagines other worlds, each with a different conceptualization of time. In one, time is circular, and people are destined to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, time stands still. In yet another, time is a nightingale, trapped by a bell jar. Translated into over thirty languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians and artists around the world. In poetic vignettes, Alan Lightman explores the connections between science and art, creativity and the rhythms of life, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. This conversation includes Alan Lightman (MIT), Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera and Annette Martínez-Iñesta, of the Departamento de Humanidades at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), and Joshua Chaparro Mata, a UPRM graduate and doctoral student in Applied Physics at Yale. They discuss dreaming as a scientific and creative resource; the importance of Berne, Switzerland, in the thought of Einstein and Lightman; Lightman's precise and harmonious poetics; the role of technology in contemporary life; and the course Lightman's life, experiences and creative process. This is the second of two episodes about Einstein's Dreams. The first, in Spanish, appeared on the New Books Network en español. The series is sponsored by the Lenguaje focal group at Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at UPRM, a group of scholars who consider how translanguaging ​​can provide unique dimensions to knowledge.  This episode and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at the UPRM have been supported by the Mellon Foundation. The conversation is part of the “STEM to STEAM” project of the “Cornerstone” initiative, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation, which stresses the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives in the sciences. Books, scholars, articles and podcasts mentioned in this conversation include: In Praise of Wasting Time, Alan Lightman. Mr g, Alan Lightman. Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino. Cities I've Never Lived In, Sara Majka. “Academic Life without a Smartphone,” Inside Higher Ed, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera. The Hemingway Society Podcast. Carlos Alberto Peón Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) by Alan Lightman, set in Albert Einstein's “miracle year” of 1905, is a novel about the cultural interconnection of time, relativity and life. As the young genius creates his theory of relativity, in a series of dreams, he imagines other worlds, each with a different conceptualization of time. In one, time is circular, and people are destined to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, time stands still. In yet another, time is a nightingale, trapped by a bell jar. Translated into over thirty languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians and artists around the world. In poetic vignettes, Alan Lightman explores the connections between science and art, creativity and the rhythms of life, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. This conversation includes Alan Lightman (MIT), Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera and Annette Martínez-Iñesta, of the Departamento de Humanidades at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), and Joshua Chaparro Mata, a UPRM graduate and doctoral student in Applied Physics at Yale. They discuss dreaming as a scientific and creative resource; the importance of Berne, Switzerland, in the thought of Einstein and Lightman; Lightman's precise and harmonious poetics; the role of technology in contemporary life; and the course Lightman's life, experiences and creative process. This is the second of two episodes about Einstein's Dreams. The first, in Spanish, appeared on the New Books Network en español. The series is sponsored by the Lenguaje focal group at Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at UPRM, a group of scholars who consider how translanguaging ​​can provide unique dimensions to knowledge.  This episode and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at the UPRM have been supported by the Mellon Foundation. The conversation is part of the “STEM to STEAM” project of the “Cornerstone” initiative, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation, which stresses the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives in the sciences. Books, scholars, articles and podcasts mentioned in this conversation include: In Praise of Wasting Time, Alan Lightman. Mr g, Alan Lightman. Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino. Cities I've Never Lived In, Sara Majka. “Academic Life without a Smartphone,” Inside Higher Ed, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera. The Hemingway Society Podcast. Carlos Alberto Peón Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) by Alan Lightman, set in Albert Einstein's “miracle year” of 1905, is a novel about the cultural interconnection of time, relativity and life. As the young genius creates his theory of relativity, in a series of dreams, he imagines other worlds, each with a different conceptualization of time. In one, time is circular, and people are destined to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, time stands still. In yet another, time is a nightingale, trapped by a bell jar. Translated into over thirty languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians and artists around the world. In poetic vignettes, Alan Lightman explores the connections between science and art, creativity and the rhythms of life, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. This conversation includes Alan Lightman (MIT), Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera and Annette Martínez-Iñesta, of the Departamento de Humanidades at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), and Joshua Chaparro Mata, a UPRM graduate and doctoral student in Applied Physics at Yale. They discuss dreaming as a scientific and creative resource; the importance of Berne, Switzerland, in the thought of Einstein and Lightman; Lightman's precise and harmonious poetics; the role of technology in contemporary life; and the course Lightman's life, experiences and creative process. This is the second of two episodes about Einstein's Dreams. The first, in Spanish, appeared on the New Books Network en español. The series is sponsored by the Lenguaje focal group at Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at UPRM, a group of scholars who consider how translanguaging ​​can provide unique dimensions to knowledge.  This episode and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at the UPRM have been supported by the Mellon Foundation. The conversation is part of the “STEM to STEAM” project of the “Cornerstone” initiative, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation, which stresses the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives in the sciences. Books, scholars, articles and podcasts mentioned in this conversation include: In Praise of Wasting Time, Alan Lightman. Mr g, Alan Lightman. Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino. Cities I've Never Lived In, Sara Majka. “Academic Life without a Smartphone,” Inside Higher Ed, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera. The Hemingway Society Podcast. Carlos Alberto Peón Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) by Alan Lightman, set in Albert Einstein's “miracle year” of 1905, is a novel about the cultural interconnection of time, relativity and life. As the young genius creates his theory of relativity, in a series of dreams, he imagines other worlds, each with a different conceptualization of time. In one, time is circular, and people are destined to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, time stands still. In yet another, time is a nightingale, trapped by a bell jar. Translated into over thirty languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians and artists around the world. In poetic vignettes, Alan Lightman explores the connections between science and art, creativity and the rhythms of life, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. This conversation includes Alan Lightman (MIT), Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera and Annette Martínez-Iñesta, of the Departamento de Humanidades at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), and Joshua Chaparro Mata, a UPRM graduate and doctoral student in Applied Physics at Yale. They discuss dreaming as a scientific and creative resource; the importance of Berne, Switzerland, in the thought of Einstein and Lightman; Lightman's precise and harmonious poetics; the role of technology in contemporary life; and the course Lightman's life, experiences and creative process. This is the second of two episodes about Einstein's Dreams. The first, in Spanish, appeared on the New Books Network en español. The series is sponsored by the Lenguaje focal group at Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at UPRM, a group of scholars who consider how translanguaging ​​can provide unique dimensions to knowledge.  This episode and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes at the UPRM have been supported by the Mellon Foundation. The conversation is part of the “STEM to STEAM” project of the “Cornerstone” initiative, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation, which stresses the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives in the sciences. Books, scholars, articles and podcasts mentioned in this conversation include: In Praise of Wasting Time, Alan Lightman. Mr g, Alan Lightman. Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino. Cities I've Never Lived In, Sara Majka. “Academic Life without a Smartphone,” Inside Higher Ed, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera. The Hemingway Society Podcast. Carlos Alberto Peón Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) por Alan Lightman, es un collage ficticio de historias soñadas por Albert Einstein en 1905, sobre el tiempo, la relatividad y la física. Mientras el provocador, pero sensible joven genio crea su teoría de la relatividad, en una nueva concepción del tiempo, imagina muchos otros mundos posibles. En uno, el tiempo es circular, de modo que la gente está destinada a repetir triunfos y fracasos una y otra vez. En otro, hay un lugar donde el tiempo se detiene, visitado por amantes y padres abrazados a sus hijos. En otro, el tiempo es un ruiseñor, a veces atrapado por una campana de cristal. Ahora traducido a treinta idiomas, Einstein's Dreams ha inspirado a dramaturgos, bailarines, músicos y pintores de todo el mundo. En viñetas poéticas, explora las conexiones entre ciencia y arte, el proceso de creatividad y, en última instancia, la fragilidad de la existencia humana. Conversación realizada por Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Annette Martínez Iñesta, docentes de Humanidades en la Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), y Joshua Chaparro Mata, egresado de la UPRM y actualmente estudiante doctoral de Física Aplicada en Yale. Entre otros temas, dialogan sobre el uso de sueños como recurso científico y creativo, la importancia de Berne, Suiza, en el pensamiento de Einstein y Lightman, la poética precisa y harmoniosa de Lightman, cómo cambiar de lengua puede aportar dimensiones únicas al conocimiento y la importancia de involucrar perspectivas humanistas en las ciencias. Este episodio y el Instituto Nuevos Horizontes han sido apoyados por la Mellon Foundation. La conversación forma parte del proyecto “STEM to STEAM” de la iniciativa “Cornerstone”, patrocinada por la Teagle Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Einstein's Dreams (Vintage, 1992) por Alan Lightman, es un collage ficticio de historias soñadas por Albert Einstein en 1905, sobre el tiempo, la relatividad y la física. Mientras el provocador, pero sensible joven genio crea su teoría de la relatividad, en una nueva concepción del tiempo, imagina muchos otros mundos posibles. En uno, el tiempo es circular, de modo que la gente está destinada a repetir triunfos y fracasos una y otra vez. En otro, hay un lugar donde el tiempo se detiene, visitado por amantes y padres abrazados a sus hijos. En otro, el tiempo es un ruiseñor, a veces atrapado por una campana de cristal. Ahora traducido a treinta idiomas, Einstein's Dreams ha inspirado a dramaturgos, bailarines, músicos y pintores de todo el mundo. En viñetas poéticas, explora las conexiones entre ciencia y arte, el proceso de creatividad y, en última instancia, la fragilidad de la existencia humana. Conversación realizada por Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Annette Martínez Iñesta, docentes de Humanidades en la Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), y Joshua Chaparro Mata, egresado de la UPRM y actualmente estudiante doctoral de Física Aplicada en Yale. Entre otros temas, dialogan sobre el uso de sueños como recurso científico y creativo, la importancia de Berne, Suiza, en el pensamiento de Einstein y Lightman, la poética precisa y harmoniosa de Lightman, cómo cambiar de lengua puede aportar dimensiones únicas al conocimiento y la importancia de involucrar perspectivas humanistas en las ciencias. Este episodio y el Instituto Nuevos Horizontes han sido apoyados por la Mellon Foundation. La conversación forma parte del proyecto “STEM to STEAM” de la iniciativa “Cornerstone”, patrocinada por la Teagle Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, maybe a week ago, maybe 82 years ago, who knows, we talked about alternative plot structures. Much of American film and novels is built on what's considered to be the classic three-act structure, which basically goes beginning-middle-end, and there's this rising line of the plot. It ends up looking like a bit of a triangle. As readers, we can sort of anticipate and feel that structure happening. In a rom-com, we almost always know how far into the book or movie it will be when the couple breaks up and then someone has to chase down a car or airplane or something so they can get back together. There's a lovely familiarity in that, but us writers don't always want a lovely familiarity with beats in all the prescribed places and a structure that looks like a triangle. In an earlier podcast, Shaun, was asking me about the different structures and plots. And this is a pretty big question that people write entire books about, but I'm going to start here. First, a structure is sort of the diagram of rising and falling and action that links all of the plot points together The plot is something that connects the moments of the novel in a way that gives a novel its meaning. . Janet Burroway defines plot as a “series of events deliberately arranged so as to reveal their dramatic, thematic, and emotional significance …. Plot's concern is ‘what, how, and why,' with scenes ordered to highlight cause-and-effect.” Plot, according to Ingrid Sundberg, is about patterns, rhythm, and energy. It's about the movement and feeling your particular arrangement creates. The triangle (often called the Aristotelian story shape) is a visual metaphor for the escalating energy that is meant to come as a result of a classic design arrangement.” This podcast, we're talking about all the different types of plots. Next time? We'll go all structure on you. Here's a list of different possibilities when it comes to plot: • Mini-plot • Daisy chain plot, • Cautionary tale plot • Ensemble plot • Along for the ride plot • Symbolic juxtaposition plot • Repeated event plot • Repeated action plot Explanations of the Possibilities Mini Plot – This is the emotional plot. It's minimalistic. It might even seem like it does not have a plot, but it does. It's just that the cause-and-effect is about emotional evolution and growth. Example: Tender Mercies Daisy Chain Plot - We have no main protagonist, so we have no main goal. A bunch of characters and situations are here and they are linked via cause-and-effect like a physical object. Examples: Thirteen Reasons Why (has a protagonist, but it kind of works). Lethal Passage. Cautionary Tale Plot - Hero? There is no hero! Comfort? There is no comfort! Our main character sucks. And instead the reader is the protagonist. Examples: Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia. Inexcusable by Chris Lynch. Ensemble Plot - According to Berg, this happens when you have protagonists grouped in the same place and it is “characterized by the interaction of several voices, consciousnesses, or world views, none of which unifies or is superior to the others.” Example: Give a Boy a Gun. Along For The Ride Plot - Ah. Where is our protagonist doing proactive things? Not here. Here we have the secondary character pushing the action and the protagonist is there, zooming along with them. The protagonist has an emotional change anyways, but they aren't Captain Proactive going after their goals. Example: Looking for Alaska – John Green Symbolic Juxtaposition Plot - Why yes, it's the anti-plot, which some people treat like the anti-christ. This book is an existentialist's dream. It's not about the emotion. It's about having an epiphany, an intellectual epiphany. The plot is about ideas and themes and symbols and that connects everything and gives it meaning. The cause and effect? It's really not here. Example: Einstein's Dreams by Lightman. Repeated Events Plot - So, the same event? You see it multiple times but through differing perspectives so that we can see the truth from different characters' points of view. Repeated Action Plot - You know the movie Groundhog Day? This is it. This is where a character keeps doing the same things over and over until they try to get it right. They have a goal. But the sequence of events isn't linear but repeating. Example: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver DOG TIP FOR LIFE Repeated action plots are the best. Wake up. Snack. Zoomies. Snack. Breakfast. Snack. Pee. Snack. It's okay to life your life as a repeated event. PLACE TO SUBMIT The Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award Your novel doesn't have to be finished. We initially need only 5,000 to 8,000 words and a 300 word synopsis. If you're long listed we'll ask for a total of 15,000 words, including your original word count. Shortlisted? Then we need a total 30,000 words, again including your original entry and long listed word count. It all adds up to an incredible opportunity. Click here for all the details! RANDOM THOUGHT LINK SHOUT OUT! The music we've clipped and shortened in this podcast is awesome and is made available through the Creative Commons License. Here's a link to that and the artist's website. Who is this artist and what is this song? It's “Summer Spliff” by Broke For Free. WE HAVE EXTRA CONTENT ALL ABOUT LIVING HAPPY OVER HERE! It's pretty awesome. We have a podcast, LOVING THE STRANGE, which we stream biweekly live on Carrie's Facebook and Twitter and YouTube on Fridays. Her Facebook and Twitter handles are all carriejonesbooks or carriejonesbook. But she also has extra cool content focused on writing tips here. Carrie is reading one of her raw poems every once in awhile on CARRIE DOES POEMS. And there you go! Whew! That's a lot! Subscribe RESOURCES OF AWESOME. Bechard, Margaret. “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Plot.” Faculty Lecture. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, VT. Jan 2008. Burroway, Janet. Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narative Craft. 8th Edition. New York: Longman, 2011. Chea, Stephenson. “What's the Difference Between Plot and Structure.” Associated Content. 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 7 May 2011. Fletcher, Susan. “Structure as Genesis.” Faculty Lecture. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, VT. July 2012. • Berg, Charles Ramirez. “A Taxonomy of Alternative Plots in Recent Films: Classifying the ‘Tarantino Effect.'” Film Criticism, Vol. 31, Issue 1-2, 5-57, 22 Sept 2006. Ebsco Host. Web. 6 May 2011. • Pages 44 -66 in: McKee, Robert. Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting. New York: IT Books, 1997. • Pages 165 – 194 in: Gardner, John. The Art of Fiction. New York: Vintage Books, 1983. https://penandthepad.com/types-narrative-structures-8329065.html

"The tragedy of this world is that no one is happy, whether stuck in a time of pain or of joy. The tragedy of this world is that everyone is alone. For a life in the past cannot be shared with the present. Each person who gets stuck in time gets stuck alone.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we explore the concept of time through the lens of one of the most imaginative books of our time, Einstein's Dreams. The novel portrays Albert Einstein as a young scientist grappling with his dreams as he works on his theory of relativity. This episode promises to spark deep reflection, ignite your curiosity, and challenge your perception of time. We cover a wide range of topics including: The hidden costs of immortality Contemplating a world where every day is a fresh start Why it's easy to forget to appreciate the things you have How death ultimately gives our life meaning Our most obnoxious literary opinions And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: Click (4:32) Books Mentioned: Einstein's Dreams Tao Te Ching (1:33) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) The Sovereign Individual (12:59) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) The Fourth Turning (13:01) (Book Episode) Logicomix (22:41) (Book Episode) East of Eden (30:30) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) The Unbearable Lightness of Being (32:11) The First World War (34:50) The Brothers K (34:51) Musashi (34:53) Infinite Jest (37:34) (Book Episode 1) (Book Episode 2) (Nat's Book Notes) Atlas Shrugged (37:58) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) Gödel, Escher, Bach (43:45) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) People Mentioned: Alan Lightman John Steinbeck (18:31) Werner Heisenberg (23:29) Milan Kundera (32:23) David Perell (44:29) Show Topics: (0:00) In today's episode, we're covering Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman. Adil shares his experience going through the book for the 3rd time, noting its unique approach devoid of traditional characters yet filled with intense emotional resonance across the theme of 'time'. (2:43) The stories challenge the way we think about time, with each chapter introducing a unique time variable that initially appears distinct on the surface. However, beneath the surface, these chapters resonate with aspects of our own reality. We list off a few chapters that were top of mind for us. (6:10) Death is what gives life meaning. We explore this concept by diving into one of the short stories where nobody dies. If you know that time is infinite, how would you spend that time?  (8:45) Which chapter(s) of Einstein's Dreams did we connect with the most?  (11:16) We discuss the concept of sleep training, contemplating the ideal scenario where babies would sleep according to their natural rhythms. However, balancing the baby's freedom to sleep spontaneously with the demands of a structured work and life schedule can be a struggle. (12:32) Nat, Neil, and Adil ponder the scenario if everyone were to just live one day. You wouldn't know seasons, and all you'll ever know is what the current day brings. (16:08) Connections between Einstein's Dreams and a previous read on the podcast, The Fourth Turning.  (17:51) Despite not having main characters (aside from Einstein and Besso), this book still manages to drive a lot of emotions. We admire Lightman's ability to write in a soft, empathetic way, while painting the picture for readers very effectively.  (19:59) Were these short stories from the book thoughts that Einstein may have had in real life as he worked towards his theories on time and relativity? (23:45) We touch on a story from the book where every day is truly a fresh start, and there is no knowledge of the past or future.  (26:45) Doing everything as if it's for the first time will give you excitement, but it's also meaningful to act as if you're doing something for the very last time.  (28:25) Einstein's theory of general relativity, and how at the time of this theory, it was still unknown in the world of physics that the world is constantly expanding rather than fixed. (30:27) Though it may not be the longest book, it still hits hard. Nat, Neil, and Adil share their appreciation for Einstein's Dreams being impactful despite the length. It's one of those books that can make you feel a different way each time you read it. (36:47) Shoutout to Jack for the book recommendation on Musashi! If you have any book recommendations that you'd like us to pick up for the show, you can submit them to us here.  (38:55) You can get away with a lot in books, but what about a 35,000 word speech? We talk about John Galt's mighty speech in Atlas Shrugged. So long as you give the readers a reason to finish the book and recommend it to others, you can really do what you want within the pages.  (44:17) That concludes this thought-provoking episode! Next up, we're tackling Martin Gilbert's The First World War. Make sure to give our new Instagram page a follow and shoot us a book recommendation. If you have any recs, please send them our way! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time!

Ready to see the marketing landscape through a fresh lens? Buckle up as we welcome  Ari Lightman, a digital media and marketing professor from Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, and an expert in digital transformation. Ari guides us through a captivating journey into the world of Web3 and how it's reshaping the intersection of marketing and IT. We unravel the evolution of digital touchpoints, highlighting the shift from product-focused to value-driven marketing and the significance of this change in the dawn of Web3.We also turn our spotlight on AI, an undeniable game-changer in personalized content delivery and user engagement. Ari offers his profound insights on how AI is revolutionizing the way we analyze data, create content, and comprehend disparate audience segments. We navigate the possibilities and challenges of integrating social data and blockchain data - a critical aspect of leveraging Web Three for marketing. Get ready for an enlightening discussion on the future of customer experience in the age of Web3 and AI. Let's redefine the boundaries of marketing together.This episode was recorded through a StreamYard call on October 12, 2023. Read the blog article here: https://webdrie.net/redefining-marketing-in-the-age-of-web3-and-ai-profound-insights-with-digital-expert-ari-lightman-from-carnegie-mellons-heinz-college-unveiling-the-future-of-customer-experience/Ready to upgrade your Web3 marketing strategy? Don't miss Consensus 2024 on May 29-31 in Austin, Texas. It is the largest and longest-running event on crypto, blockchain and Web3. Use code CMOSTORIES to get 15% off your pass at www.consensus2024.coindesk.com

Original Air Date: May 6, 2020 Oprah Winfrey talks with Dr. Alan Lightman, an MIT professor of humanities, physicist and best-selling author. Dr. Lightman is one of the rare scientists who also embraces spirituality after having a transcendent experience while on a boat on the ocean. He discusses why he believes the COVID-19 pandemic offered us an opportunity to lead a less hurried life. He shares why stillness is so important to our daily lives and explains how our country now has a chance to nurture what he calls its “inner self.” Dr. Lightman also discusses his article “The Virus Is a Reminder of Something Lost Long Ago,” published in The Atlantic.   Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPodsYou can also watch Oprah's Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN  

  Today on the Rarified Heir Podcast, we speak to Larry Strauss, son of actress Charlotte Rae. To say we were more than a little surprised at how many of you connected to this episode with all of you comments, likes and metrics, is an understatement. You really took a liking to this one and why not? Larry was incredibly open about how both his mother and Josh's mother both shared the stage in the Broadway musical Li'l Abner, about an indiscrete moment between Cloris Leachman and Martin Balsam,  how his mother turned a co-starring role on Diff'rent Strokes into a starring role on The Facts of Life and much more. We also spoke to Larry about his books, the more recent biography of his mother The Facts of My Life as well as Lightman a book of fiction about two characters awash in catastrophe and possible redemption in 1973 New York City. What's more we delved into his teaching students in the LAUSD system in Los Angeles and how rewarding it is for him in an often difficult environment. We also learn about Larry's father John Strauss who was a composer & editor whose credits run the gamut from The Phil Silvers Show, Amadeus, Take The Money and Run and so much more. This episode has a it all, some laughs, some heartache and some great storytelling. But it's the story about Larry's older brother Andrew that took place each Christmas season that still has us thinking about it today. Another child of a celebrity interviewed by the child of a celebrity. Everyone has a story.

Welcome back to Movies that Make Us. This week we are going back into the archives to talk about one of the classic films of 1983, War Games.High school student David Lightman (Matthew Broderick) unwittingly hacks into a military supercomputer while searching for new video games to play. After starting a game of Global Thermonuclear War, lightman accidentally has the supercomputer activate the nation's nuclear arsenal in response to his simulated threat as the Soviet Union. Once he realizes the danger he's created, Lightman must work with his girlfriend (Ally Sheedy) to alert the authorities and stop World War III from happening.Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications when we add a new video or go live.You can also follow our Facebook page so you can receive notifications for new audio or video of our episodes. We're still raising money for the American Cancer Society, so please consider donating even $5 as every dollar goes straight to ACS and makes such a difference.As always, thank you for listening, and for now, we won't see you at the movies… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we gaze at the stars and wonder at our place amid the expanse of the universe, or when we witness the birth of a child and marvel at the miracle of existence itself, or when we listen to music that seems to touch our soul — there are moments in life when we feel a transcendent connection to things larger than ourselves. But how are we to make sense of these experiences in the age of science? In perhaps our most meditative episode yet, we speak with Alan Lightman, PhD, a theoretical physicist and humanist who holds a unique vantage point on topics fundamental to our existence: time, space, matter, and human consciousness. Dr. Lightman is Professor of the Practice of the Humanities at MIT, the author of numerous novels and books on science and philosophy, and the creator and subject of the 2023 PBS documentary series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. Over the course of our conversation, we discuss where our sense of awe comes from, the role of spirituality in a materialist world, whether or not human consciousness will ever be understood on a physical basis, the interplay of faith and reason in modern scientific practice, and more.In this episode, we discuss:3:58 - How Dr. Lightman found himself at the intersection of physics and creative writing 5:46 - The ways in which physics is the most “philosophical” science 9:13 - The definitions of ‘materialists' and ‘vitalists'11:56 - How Dr. Lightman conceptualizes his position as a ‘Spiritual Materialist' 16:07 - Contending with materialism despite awe-inspiring, transcendental experiences 22:30 - Whether or not Dr. Lightman considers himself a ‘reductionist' 25:28 - Where our sense of awe and appreciation of beauty come from32:17 - The role of faith in scientific pursuits34:20 - Finding meaning in a materialist worldIn this episode, we discuss Bertrand Russel's Free Man's Worship.Visit our website www.TheDoctorsArt.com where you can find transcripts of all episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show, available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you know of a doctor, patient, or anyone working in health care who would love to explore meaning in medicine with us on the show, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments or send an email to info@thedoctorsart.com.Copyright The Doctor's Art Podcast 2023

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: AI Forecasting: Two Years In, published by jsteinhardt on August 20, 2023 on LessWrong. Two years ago, I commissioned forecasts for state-of-the-art performance on several popular ML benchmarks. Forecasters were asked to predict state-of-the-art performance on June 30th of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. While there were four benchmarks total, the two most notable were MATH (a dataset of free-response math contest problems) and MMLU (a dataset of multiple-choice exams from the high school to post-graduate level). One year ago, I evaluated the first set of forecasts. Forecasters did poorly and underestimated progress, with the true performance lying in the far right tail of their predicted distributions. Anecdotally, experts I talked to (including myself) also underestimated progress. As a result of this, I decided to join the fray and registered my own forecasts for MATH and MMLU last July. June 30, 2023 has now passed, so we can resolve the forecasts and evaluate my own performance as well as that of other forecasters, including both AI experts and generalist "superforecasters". I'll evaluate the original forecasters that I commissioned through Hypermind, the crowd forecasting platform Metaculus, and participants in the XPT forecasting competition organized by Karger et al. (2023), which was stratified into AI experts and superforecasters. Overall, here is how I would summarize the results: Metaculus and I did the best and were both well-calibrated, with the Metaculus crowd forecast doing slightly better than me. The AI experts from Karger et al. did the next best. They had similar medians to me but were (probably) overconfident in the tails. The superforecasters from Karger et al. did the next best. They (probably) systematically underpredicted progress. The forecasters from Hypermind did the worst. They underpredicted progress significantly on MMLU. Interestingly, this is a reverse of my impressions from last year, where even though forecasters underpredicted progress, I thought of experts as underpredicting progress even more. In this case, it seems the experts did pretty well and better than generalist forecasters. What accounts for the difference? Some may be selection effects (experts who try to register forecasts are more likely to be correct). But I'd guess some is also effort: the expert "forecasts" I had in mind last year were from informal hallway conversations, while this year they were formal quantitative predictions with some (small) monetary incentive to be correct. In general, I think we should trust expert predictions more in this setting (relative to their informal statements), and I'm now somewhat more optimistic that experts can give accurate forecasts given a bit of training and the correct incentives. In the rest of the post, I'll first dive into everyone's forecasts and evaluate each in turn. Then, I'll consider my own forecast in detail, evaluating not just the final answer but the reasoning I used (which was preregistered and can be found here). My forecasts, and others As a reminder, forecasts are specified as probability distributions over some (hopefully unambiguously) resolvable future outcome. In this case the outcome was the highest credibly claimed benchmark accuracy by any ML system on the MATH and MMLU benchmarks as of June 30, 2023. My forecasts from July 17, 2022 are displayed below as probability density functions, as well as cumulative distribution functions and the actual result: MATHMMLUResult: 69.6% (Lightman et al., 2023)Result: 86.4% (GPT-4) Orange is my own forecast, while green is the crowd forecast of Metaculus on the same date. For MATH, the true result was at my 41st percentile, while for MMLU it was at my 66th percentile. I slightly overestimated progress on MATH and underestimated MMLU, but both were within my range of e...

"Rationality and logic can be spiritual." -- Alan Lightman, Mr. gThe antagonism between Western science and myth/religion has shaped human history and continues to obstruct the quest for a holistic understanding of existence. In Myths to Live By, Joseph Campbell outlines the conflict and offers solutions to the modern dilemma. Science will provide new metaphors, he explains.I wonder about the reconciliation of science and religion and what forms this might this take. This led me to Mr. g, a novel by Alan Lightman.  Lightman is a theoretical physicist who has served on the faculty at Harvard and MIT.  In his novel he combines science, theology, and moral philosophy to tell a creation story that is mythic, if not technically a myth. Through the eyes of the cosmic creator Mr. g,  we witness the birth of the universe and the wonders of scientific evolution, from galaxies and stars to the emergence of life on a small planet.I hope you enjoy this gloss of the book and are inspired to read it too.Support the showEmail Catherine at drcsvehla@mythicmojo.comPost a positive review on apple podcasts! Learn how you can work with Catherine at https://mythicmojo.comBuy me a coffee. Thank you!

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/neuroscience

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/spiritual-practice-and-mindfulness

Are science and spirituality incompatible? From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to that question... Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? In The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science (Pantheon, 2023), Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”—the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human. Renee Garfinkel, Ph.D. is a psychologist, writer, Middle East television commentator and host of The New Books Network's Van Leer Jerusalem Series on Ideas. Write her at reneeg@vanleer.org.il. She's on Twitter @embracingwisdom. She blogs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/van-leer-institute

Ann Lightman told me about some of the fascinating history of Leeds and it's colourful characters - she relates this history as part of her Lawnswood Cemetery Walks.Spring 2023 walks at Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds LS16 6AH: Ann Lightman is offering the following walks, all at 2.00 p.m. on Sundays and no charge made! Expect each to last about two hours –tailored to suit group or individual needs. The meeting point varies according to the walk. To book any (or all) of these free tours, please contact Ann on c.lightman@sky.com or 0113 216 0630.  Ann also does walks “Arts in Leeds” & “Links to Leeds University” in addition to those above and talks “Behind the Chapels” and “Women of Lawnswood” for private groups – please contact her to discuss your requirements. April 16: NEW this year: “Early years of the Leeds Museum”. Meeting point – in front of the chapels. The walk covers the memorials, in the Victorian and the 1910 extension, of eminent people who were either curators or Presidents of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, owners of the museum in early years. Some interesting and different monuments visited. Reserve date: 7 May May 21: (Introduced last year) “Innovation and Trailblazers” Meeting Point: Friends Noticeboard just inside the main entrance. The walk takes us up to the Columbarium, the Victorian cemetery and the 1910 extension. A varied walk! Reserve date: 28 May Ann chose to feature the beautiful song "Carrickfergus" by the Leeds Male Voice Choir - thanks so much to Rob Butler for sending the track.https://friendsoflawnswoodcemetery.org.uk/event/introduction-to-lawnswood-cemetery/https://leedsmalevoicechoir.co.uk/https://soundcloud.com/leeds-male-voice-choir/carrickfergus?in=leeds-male-voice-choir/sets/front-pagehttps://www.instagram.com/leedsmalevoicechoir/https://www.facebook.com/leedsmalevoicechoir/https://twitter.com/LeedsMaleVoicesI make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science by Alan Lightman From the acclaimed author of Einstein's Dreams comes a rich, fascinating answer to the question, Can the scientifically inclined still hold space for spirituality? Gazing at the stars, falling in love, or listening to music, we sometimes feel a transcendent connection with a cosmic unity and things larger than ourselves. But these experiences are not easily understood by science, which holds that all things can be explained in terms of atoms and molecules. Is there space in our scientific worldview for these spiritual experiences? According to acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, there may be. Drawing on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers, and psychologists, Lightman asks a series of thought-provoking questions that illuminate our strange place between the world of particles and forces and the world of complex human experience. Can strict materialism explain our appreciation of beauty? Or our feelings of connection to nature and to other people? Is there a physical basis for consciousness, the most slippery of all scientific problems? Lightman weaves these investigations together to propose what he calls “spiritual materialism”— the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. In his view, the breadth of the human condition is not only rooted in material atoms and molecules but can also be explained in terms of Darwinian evolution. What is revealed in this lyrical, enlightening book is that spirituality may not only be compatible with science, it also ought to remain at the core of what it means to be human.

Author and MIT physicist Dr Alan Lightman is the co-writer and host of the new PBS series “Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.”   In this podcast, Dr. Lightman discusses the experience that led to him to write the book Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, why he agreed to develop the book into a series, his explorations with scientists, philosophers, and religious leaders around the question: how do we find meaning in an age of science. He also discusses his own dual trajectory—a student who won both science awards and poetry prizes, a man who has had two successful careers as a distinguished physicist and an accomplished novelist, (his best-selling novel Einstein's Dreams puts the readers inside Albert Einstein's mind imagining possible worlds as he discovers the theory of relativity),  the similarities between scientific and artistic creativity, the aesthetics that can drive scientific inquiry, the role of art as a meaning-maker, and the artistry and collaboration involved in making the series Searching.

Author and MIT physicist Dr Alan Lightman is the co-writer and host of the new PBS series “Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.”   In this podcast, Dr. Lightman discusses the experience that led to him to write the book Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, why he agreed to develop the book into a series, his explorations with scientists, philosophers, and religious leaders around the question: how do we find meaning in an age of science. He also discusses his own dual trajectory—a student who won both science awards and poetry prizes, a man who has had two successful careers as a distinguished physicist and an accomplished novelist, (his best-selling novel Einstein's Dreams puts the readers inside Albert Einstein's mind imagining possible worlds as he discovers the theory of relativity),  the similarities between scientific and artistic creativity, the aesthetics that can drive scientific inquiry, the role of art as a meaning-maker, and the artistry and collaboration involved in making the series Searching.

Why Are Children's Antibiotics So Hard To Find Right Now? Mary Warlo has been extremely worried lately. Her baby Calieb, who is six months old, has sickle cell disease. In early December he went for a few days without liquid penicillin, a medication that he—and thousands of other children in the U.S.—rely on to prevent potentially life threatening infections. Warlo couldn't easily find a pharmacy in Indianapolis that had the medicine in stock. She and her husband frantically drove around for hours, stopping at five different pharmacies before they were able to get their prescription filled. “It was extremely stressful and I am worried about what will happen the next time we need to fill his prescription two weeks from now,” she said. Pediatric sickle cell disease specialists say they are alarmed by signs that the stock of liquid penicillin is dwindling in some places. They say children's lives depend on this medication, and a penicillin shortage could spell disaster. Read the rest at sciencefriday.com.   Bats Use Death Metal 'Growls' To Make Social Calls What do death metal vocalists and bats have in common? Both use their ventricle folds, or “false vocal cords,” to extend their vocal ranges to hit a lower register. This gives bats a huge vocal range—seven full octaves. Humans typically tap out at about three to four octaves. Even people with really impressive vocal ranges, like Mariah Carey, just can't compete with a bat. A study recently published in the academic journal PLOS Biology examines how and why different anatomical structures might help bats achieve such extreme frequency range. Ira talks with one of the study's authors, Coen Elemans, a professor in bioacoustics and animal behavior at the University of Southern Denmark based in Odense, Denmark.   Can Science Answer Life's Biggest Questions? Dr. Alan Lightman has been around the block a few times. Over the past five decades, he has been a theoretical physicist, professor at MIT, and bestselling author—often at the same time. His most notable novel, Einstein's Dreams, has been adapted into dozens of plays and musicals since its publication in 1992, becoming one of the most famous examples of mixing art and science.  Lightman's work follows a philosophical way of thinking about life's biggest questions, like the origins of consciousness. His new venture brings this way of thinking to the silver screen. Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science consults scientists and faith leaders to grapple with some of these theoretical quandaries. And Lightman gives a good argument for why the journey to these answers can be more impactful than the answers themselves.  Ira speaks with Alan Lightman about the new program, available to watch now online and on your local public television station. 

Today's episode features a recent conversation with physicist and writer Alan Lightman during his visit to Brown College at the University of Virginia in October 2022. Dr. Lightman's prominent work in both science and the humanities challenges the divide between fields and he discusses his approach of both disciplines through a creative lens. Eventually, we get a little taste of what he does best - demonstrating the innate poetry of what we know, and don't know, about our universe. Are scientific and artistic pursuits really so different in their motivation? Alan Lightman presently serves as Professor of the Practice of the Humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His new docu-series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science will premiere on January 7th, 2023 on public television stations and stream online at PBS.org. CircleOfWillisPodcast.com Check us out on Twitter and Instagram for more content. Circle of Willis is a production of the Virginia Audio Collective at WTJU 91.1 FM and Brown Residential College at the University of Virginia. Find out more at http://circleofwillispodcast.com This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

2001 subpasses spoilers (according to Lily) but even so, we strongly recommend you watch it first before listening to this episode, ideally on the big screen but if not, how about on Youtube.Films and TV shows referenced:2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) dir. by Stanley KubrickIndependence Day (1996) dir. by Roland EmmerichGravity (2013) dir. by Alfonso CuarónBarry Lyndon (1975) dir. by Stanley KubrickDr Strangelove (1964) dir. by Stanley KubrickDr Strange (2016) dir. by Scott DerricksonRRR (2022) dir. by S. S. RajamoulMaking the Shining (1980) dir. by Vivian KubrickOther sources:Dan Chiasson, ‘2001: A Space Odyssey: What it means, and how it was made', thenewyorker.comHerb A. Lightman, ‘Filming 2001: A Space Odyssey', ascmag.com7-part video essay into the making of 20012001: A Space Odyssey: Making of a MythWas Ronnie Corbett an ape in 2001?Stanley Kubrick explains the ending of 2001Editing and production by Lily Austin and James Brailsford, original theme music by James Brailsford. Thank you to Abby-Jo Sheldon for our logo.-----------If you love what we do, please like, subscribe and leave a review!Produced and edited by Lily AustinMusic and sound by James BrailsfordLogo design by Abby-Jo SheldonFollow usEmail us

If you've not already seen it, make sure you watch the movie before listening to this week's episode (preferably the European over the US version) - and keep an eye out for the conspiracy-theory spawning inconsistencies. Films, TV shows and books referenced: The Shining (1980) dir. by Stanley Kubrick The Shining (1977) by Stephen KingA Nightmare on Elm Street (1985) dir. by Wes CravenFriday the 13th (1980) dir. by Sean S. CunninghamX (2022) dir. by Ti WestIt Follows (2014) dir. by David Robert Mitchell The Ritual (2017) dir. by David Bruckner [not named

Welcome to the Epilogue of our hero's Journey.Follow us on Twitter @SwordsNMonstersDungeon Mistress Josie aka KnightsinclairTwitter: @KnightsinclairTwitch: twitch.tv/KnightsinclairDavid M. Lightman aka Rory aka Novabeam23Twitter: @Novabeam23Twitch: twitch.tv/novabeam23Moto Moto will aka WilburgurYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WilburgurTwitter: @wilburTwitch: twitch.tv/Wilburgur_Gary Pumpernickel aka Darcy SmithTwitter: @darcywsmith

Musician Joel Lightman joined us for today's podcast episode. Joel has over twenty years of professional musicianship, including stints with major stadium bands and world tours with his projects. He is also co-founder of the Great Canadian Dueling Pianos with Cody Fenwick. In this episode, we chat about the concept of dueling pianos vs. playing with a band. He also shares why he decided to leave England and come to Toronto, the difference between a pub and a bar, and much more! http://www.thednaproject.ca/shop (New Merch Out Now!) [Don't forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!] https://bit.ly/3uPCWaj (YouTube Subscribe) https://apple.co/3oiPy7m (Audio Subscribe) Thank you to our Sponsors: https://thednaproject.ca/ (The DNA Project)  https://www.the-mpl.com/ (The MPL Toronto) Want More? https://www.instagram.com/greatcanadiandueling/ (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/greatcanadiandueling/ (Facebook) Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman The DNA Project – All rights reserved

On Sunday, May 29th 2022, Blast Points with Tom Spina, Amy Ratcliffe and Kirk Thatcher (and his captain's hat) changed the world at Star Wars Celebration with the legendary Creatures of Return of the Jedi panel. Now for all of you that weren't there, we've teamed up with Tom once again to deliver a special super expanded version of everything we talked about in Anaheim and so much more! Join us as we talk the "dare to be weird" creatures of Jabba's Palace by going over EVERY ONE OF THEM!! And we even go over some that were NOT in the film! Did someone say LIGHTMAN?!? So, get out your book of hair, listen today and celebrate the love! CHECK OUT ALL THE AMAZING STUFF REGAL ROBOT HAS GOING ON & JOIN THE EMAIL LIST here : https://regalrobot.com EXPERIENCE TOM SPINA DESIGNS HERE: http://www.tomspinadesigns.com JOIN THE BLAST POINTS ARMY and SUPPORT BLAST POINTS ON PATREON! KENOBI COMMENTARIES! BOOK OF BOOK REVIEW EPISODES! MANDO SEASON 1 & 2 REVIEW EPISODES! BAD BATCH! CLONE WARS ! BLAST POINTS Q&A EPISODES! ! Theme Music downloadable tracks! Extra goodies! and so much MORE! www.patreon.com/blastpoints new Blast Points T-SHIRTS are now available! Represent your favorite podcast everywhere you go! Get the NEW BLUE LOGO shirts for 2022 and classics like the Ben Burtt and Indiana shirt while supplies last! Perfect for conventions, dates, formal events and more! Get them here: www.etsy.com/shop/Gibnerd?section_id=21195481 visit the Blast Points website for comics, recipes, search for back episodes and so much more! www.blastpointspodcast.com if you dug the show, please leave BLAST POINTS a review on iTunes, Spotify and share the show with friends! If you leave an iTunes review, we will read it on a future episode! honestly! talk to Blast Points on twitter at @blast_points leave feedback, comments or ideas for shows! "like" Blast Points on Facebook for news on upcoming shows and links to some of the stuff we talk about in the show!! Join the Blast Points Super Star Wars Chill Group here www.facebook.com/groups/BlastPointsGroup/ we are also on Instagram! Wow! www.instagram.com/blastpoints your hosts are Jason Gibner & Gabe Bott! contact BLAST POINTS at contact@blastpointspodcast.com send us show ideas, feedback, voice messages or whatever! May the Force be with you, always!

Estee Gordon Levin interviews Owner and Entrepreneur Teddi Lightman of Rae of Light Custom. They discuss custom swag and gear for all brides to be. Estee also asks Teddi for her insight into female entrepreneurship and how Rae of Light got started. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/estee-gordon/message

I'm telling you up front that I'm not sharing anything valuable or useful today, but don't let that keep you from continuing.Today we're going to talk about 7 guys named Francis. Alan Lightman is not one of those 7 guys. Lightman is a past professor at Harvard and a current professor at MIT and a famous physicist who was responsible for establishing MIT's policy that requires all students to be trained in speaking and writingduring each of their four years as an undergraduate. Alan's father Richard Lightman was a movie theater owner who played a major role in desegregating movie theaters in the South in 1962. Richard taught Alan how to get things done and make a difference. In his book, A Sense of the Mysterious, Alan writes, “Not long ago, sitting at my desk at home, I suddenly had the horrifying realization that I no longer waste time.” After he wrote that sentence, he wrote an entire book titled, In Praise of Wasting Time. That's what you and I are doing right now. We are wasting time in a way that will invigorate you and cause you to think new and different thoughts. You are about to jump out of a deep rut in the road that has been your life.We are at the intersection of Monotony and Surprise. Are you ready to jump? Francis Scott Fitzgerald is the Francis we quote in the first hour of the 3-day Magical Worlds class at Wizard Academy. “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” Francis Ford Coppola gave us Apocalypse Now and The Godfather trilogy. Francis “Frank” Sinatra gave Indy Beagle the song “It Was a Very Good Year.” Indy told me he plans to share it with you in the rabbit hole. Sir Francis Drake was a contemporary of Shakespeare and an explorer and a pirate for England, and a seafaring thorn in the side of King Philip II of Spain, who offered a reward for his capture that would be nearly $9 million today. Queen Elizabeth gave Francis a knighthood. Francis “James” Cameron gave us Avatar and Titanic, the first and third highest-grossing films of all time, bringing in $2.85 billion and $2.19 billion respectively. Francis “Frank” Zappa was an iconic musician, composer, singer and songwriter whose work was characterized by nonconformity, free-form improvisation, musical virtuosity and the comedic satire of American culture. His kids are Dweezil, Moon Unit, Diva Muffin, and Ahmet Emuukha. Francis Bacon is my favorite Francis. Like Francis Drake, he was a contemporary of Shakespeare. Bacon was a statesman, a philosopher, and a master of the English tongue. After the death of Queen Elizabeth, Francis Bacon served as lord chancellor of England for King James I, for whom the 1611 King James translation of the Bible was named. These are some of my favorite memories of Francis Bacon:“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” “A dance is a measured pace, as a verse is a measured speech.” “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact (man.)” “There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion.” “Nothing does more hurt in a state than when cunning men pass for wise.” “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.” “Truth is so hard to tell, it sometimes needs fiction to make it plausible.” “The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.” “Where philosophy is based on reason, faith is based on revelation, and is consequently irrational. The more discordant and incredible the divine mystery is, the more honor is shown to God in believing it, and the nobler is the victory of faith.” “But now we are to step back a little to that, which by premeditation we passed over, lest a breach should be made in those things that were so linked together.” If the...

Join us as we answer some fun questions. You might be asking, why R.E.M? Listen to know ;)Follow us on TwitterTwitter @SwordsNMonstersDungeon Mistress Josie aka KnightsinclairTwitter: @KnightsinclairTwitch: twitch.tv/KnightsinclairDavid M. Lightman aka Rory aka Novabeam23Twitter: @Novabeam23Twitch: twitch.tv/novabeam23Moto Moto will aka WilburgurYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WilburgurTwitter: @wilburTwitch: twitch.tv/Wilburgur_Gary Pumpernickel aka Darcy SmithTwitter: @darcywsmith

As a theoretical physicist, Alan Lightman writes about the wonders of the universe with the soul of a philosopher. As science makes more fantastical discoveries and the cosmos becomes yet more mysterious, Lightman probes the biggest, most difficult questions to answer — is there a purpose to life and the universe? Where did we come from? What is the self? Why is there something rather than nothing?