24. The Multiverse and Theories of Everything

Frontiers/Controversies in Astrophysics (ASTR 160)

Professor Bailyn begins the class with a discussion of a recent New York Times article about the discovery of a new, earth-like planet. He then discusses concepts such as epicycles, dark energy and dark matter; imaginary ideas invented to explain 96% of the universe. The Anthropic Principle is introduced and the possibility of the multiverse is addressed. Finally, biological arguments are put forth for how complexity occurs on a cosmological scale. The lecture and course conclude with a discussion on the fine differences between science and philosophy.

00:00 – Chapter 1. Calculations for an Earth-Like Planet
08:23 – Chapter 2. Cosmology: The Game — Working with Imaginary Ideas
29:39 – Chapter 3. The Anthropic Principle and the Multiverse
42:00 – Chapter 4. The Fine Line between Science and Philosophy

This course was recorded in Spring 2007.