Edge question for 2006 (Lee Smolin's answer)

Thread starter marcus
Start date Jan 2, 2006
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Lee Smolin's response to Edge's 2006 question about dangerous ideas emphasizes the potential for revolutionary concepts in physics and cosmology, particularly through the lens of Darwinian evolution applied to the laws of physics. The discussion highlights various interpretations of what constitutes a "dangerous idea," with participants debating the implications of ideas like the Landscape and the role of Category Theory in advancing relationalism. Some contributors express skepticism about the Landscape, viewing it as a fairy tale rather than a viable scientific concept. The conversation also touches on the importance of clarity in defining what makes an idea dangerous, suggesting that truly transformative ideas should be both revolutionary and capable of making testable predictions. Overall, the thread reflects a rich exchange of thoughts on the intersection of mathematics, physics, and philosophy.

Jan 5, 2006

Spin_Network

Kea said:

I have been browsing the Edge essays. Quite a number of non-physicists are saying something about physics. Have a look at the essay by Donald Hoffman, a cognitive scientist, entitled
A spoon is like a headache

http://www.edge.org/q2006/q06_3.html

YES!..some really interesting essays, I have nearly completed reading them all(though I started reading some, and had to re-read them again

)

What is pretty obvious is that there a number of emminent people not being asked?..for instance:Penrose-Baez-Weinberg-Close..to name just four who I would love to have been really interesting in hearing their comments?

That does not demean the authors who have been asked, there are still a wealth of amazing essays, something I will be going back to over the next couple of months no doubt.

Last edited: Jan 5, 2006