Thursday 13 March 2008

Stephen Hawkings - Part Deux (the remix)

So i watched the second part to "Master of the universe" last night and loved it. I found the explanation of string theory, 11 dimensions and membranes absolutely fascinating. The thought that there are these big sheets of time and space and our universe is one of many that form out of 3d is amazing. I would be very grateful if the plethora of brilliant minds on this blog could share their knowledge and opinions on this amazing M theory. Any books recommended? Any problems you're particularly fascinated by? I now feel slightly more equiped to understand Karl's vast amount of posts on Gravity! From the little extra i've learned in the past 24 hours i understand this helps to shed light on why gravity was thought of to be the weakest of the forces but now may simply be filtered out by other dimensions. Visual aids are so, so helpful aren't they? Anyway, oh the point? I liked part 2.

15 comments:

Hurlyburly said...

Please bear in mind if that post seemed a little muddled that i am after all, a social scientist trying to cross the road into this scary other world of science and i'm not as knowledgable with this stuff as most of you, but hopefuly with your help i'll get there as i find it brilliantly fascinating!

Karl Le Marcs said...

Thanks for your comments regarding my previous posts on here towards my own theory of Quantum Gravity. I was startled that much of what I have written and thought about echoes the thoughts of the esteemed Stephen Hawking in this programme and I hope to hear from AP on this soon also. As far as M-Theory is concerned, I have commented on various posts on here towards this aspect, one being in answer to Ken's question "where are these alternate universes", take a look here:

http://cheatingtheferryman.blogspot.com/2008/03/peakeian-daemonology.html

As far as taking you deeper into these theories, I am, as ever, happy to enter into such discussions at any time (but particularly when presented with a gleeming fresh pint of ale)

I'm glad you enjoyed the programme; what science needs, in my opinion, is OUTSIDERS who can throw new and fresh ideas into the mix - that's what I do, I just theoreticise (?) and chuck my thoughts up in the air. Many fall to the floor in a cocophany of clunks but some stay floating and occasionally someone catches one.

*smile*

Karl Le Marcs said...

*whispers to Martin*
(Edit your post title: You've gone e-crazy with Mr Hawkings christian name!! - Obvious gag witheld)

ra from ca said...

Monsier HurlyBurly

I have struggled to understand the science of physics and while I'm not about to give lectures on the subject, I found a great series you can watch online at the American PBS (Public Broadcast Service) called The Elegant Universe. It was a beautifully done series written by an American who studied in England. I've watched it a billion times in a billion universes.

Hurlyburly said...

Thanks, that's great, i have lots of time off from tomorrow so shall definately do that. Link? Or will typing that in just pop up the result i need?

Karl Le Marcs said...

"The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory" is also a tremendous book by Brian Greene.
Delving deeply into the realms of Quantum Physics is a fabulously rewarding and intellectually challenging journey which I personally enjoy thoroughly. HOWEVER, as a word of warning, you can find yourself lying wide awake at 4am in the morning contemplating Quantum Chromodynamics and how Quarks become asymptotically free at high energies!!
*shudders at memories of last night*

Hurlyburly said...

HOWEVER, as a word of warning, you can find yourself lying wide awake at 4am in the morning contemplating Quantum Chromodynamics and how Quarks become asymptotically free at high energies!!

Hey, who doesn't.

Karl Le Marcs said...

*huge sigh of relief*
I'm not alone - YAY!!

Hurlyburly said...

Tell the truth, that's your mantra isn't it.

Karl Le Marcs said...

Think I'm going a tad dyslexic, I thought you said "mantrap"!!
*Hello Mr Freud*

Hurlyburly said...

So, hmmm, we're meeting for drinks.

Maybe i'll just continue to barricade myself in this room and watch West Wing instead! Aaron Sorkin wouldn't dare set mantraps on me.

Karl Le Marcs said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karl Le Marcs said...

Well, if you're asking!
*smile*
I'll be in Camden (probably Cuban Bar) about 6.30 and at National Theatre later, then quite possibly in a variety of pubs around the South Bank.

Hurlyburly said...

Little sisters birthday, no can do. Shall see you on the 29th good sir, you still heading back london bound with me afterwards?

Karl Le Marcs said...

Depends what i get done this week, will know more by next weekend.