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Physics and the Meaning of Life

Sabine Hossenfelder

Many have argued that science cannot answer the real mysteries of the universe. Yet this might not be the case. Join Sabine Hossenfelder, who asserts that through physics, we can make progress on the issues which have gripped philosophers for decades.

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Instructor
  • sabinehossenfelder colour
    Sabine Hossenfelder
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About the Course

Many have argued that science can provide data, but can't answer the real mysteries of the universe, yet Sabine Hossenfelder opposes this position. She asserts that through physics, we can make progress on the existential issues which have gripped philosophers for centuries.

By the end of this course, you will have learnt:

  • How general relativity understands the 'present'
  • Some of the consequences of Einstein's understanding of the speed of light
  • Whether or not information can be destroyed
  • Whether the building blocks of the universe could be different
  • Whether there are questions which science cannot answer

 
IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. No specialist knowledge is required.

About the Instructor

  • Sabine Hossenfelder

    "Theoretical physicists used to explain what was observed. Now they try to explain why they can't explain what was not observed"



    Fearlessly critical of the scientific mainstream, Sabine Hossenfelder is a groundbreaking theoretical physicist who specialises in the foundations of science. She is a leading science communicator, best-selling author and researcher. Her recent books include Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray, and the New York Time's Best Selling Existential Physics: A Scientist's Guide to Life's Biggest Questions.

    Hossenfelder also has a popular YouTube channel,  "Science without the gobbledygook" that has amassed over 80 million views. Her writing has featured in some of the world's top publications including Scientific American, New Scientist, and Nautilus.

    “A physicist who is utterly fearless, completely honest, and quite funny.” - Peter Woit, mathematical physicist

Course Syllabus

  • Part One: Introduction to Existential Physics
    Was the universe made for us? What is consciousness? And is it possible that the universe is conscious? Does the universe think?
  • Part Two: Tiny Changes to Constants Could Make Life Impossible
    How much can science tell us about the human condition? Does science undermine the concept of free will?

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