Science's First Mistake: Delusions in Pursuit of Theory
England (London)
11.05.2011
6.00pm
Science is a perpetual search for new ideas, yet Feyman rightly notes that "everything can be wrong". In his latest book, written jointly with his colleague Dr Dionysios Demetis, Professor Angell argues that no matter how elaborate, sophisticated or subtle a scientific description may appear, it always generates paradox. Science, the formal enterprise for probing the nature of reality, is awash with such paradoxes, from zero and infinity, to causality, particles and gravity. Reality emerges from our systems of observation, but Ian argues that paradox is a fundamental property of observation within emergent systems. As a scientist and philosopher, Ian challenges us to recognise that as we seek scientific rationality, ultimate reality, concluding formulae or final identities, we will find or even generate paradoxes.
A Gresham College lecture given by Professor Ian Angell.
Venue: Gresham College, London
Cost: Free