He since has written an in-depth three-volume book series on these topics: https://preposterousuniverse.com/biggestideas/. (He recently also completed the third volume, Complexity and Emergence, but it will only be published next year.)
at1as 42 minutes ago [-]
He's a very underrated science communicator. We need more people like him pulling physics into the cultural zeitgeist through a positive lens.
Too much of the science that breaks into the mainstream (AI being the obvious example) is framed primarily from a negative viewpoint (or, remember the "LHC will spawn a blackhole that engulfs the earth" talk, instead of a focus on the incredible science behind it)
eis 6 hours ago [-]
I can wholeheartedly recommend Sean Carroll's Mindscape podcast if you want to listen to interesting topics related to Physics, Philosophy, Quantum Mechanics and Science in general: https://www.youtube.com/@seancarroll/videos
He has a talent for explaining complex topics in easy to understand terms and avoids the trap of outrage and controversy driven social media tricks like some others in the field.
thisisauserid 4 hours ago [-]
I can just barely recommend it. The physics is great but for a 3 hour AMA it's about 51% politics and basketball.
sbuttgereit 25 minutes ago [-]
In all honesty I think this is an unfair characterization. I've listened to his podcast for a fair number of years and I think you're exaggerating quite a bit.
Mostly the episodes are specific topics with a guest who's area of research/specialty is the topic and which stay pretty well on-topic.
Most of the AMA episodes are in the area's where Carroll specialize: physics and philosophy of science. It -occasionally- veers off into politics or basketball, but it's nowhere close to 51% politics and basketball. I think the most recent AMA did have more basketball than usual, and admittedly more than I like. And I am not a fan of his politics nor do I consider his political positions especially thoughtful or insightful. But those diversions are more occasional distractions than some majority of the AMA content. And in a 3+ hour Q&A format its not surprising that he's asked about those areas where his regular listeners know that he has a particular interest or position.
syspec 5 hours ago [-]
It's good, but man he is pompous. Every question anyone asks is answered some form of "your question is stupid"
dwd 4 hours ago [-]
It was really good through the pandemic and then he got a bit caught up in discussing politics, when I was just there for the quantum physics. (Was around the time after he picked up his new physics/philosophy position and moved towns)
He was very influential in pushing me to favour Many Worlds over Copenhagen, and his interviews with people like David Deutsch were gold. Might have to check out what he's doing these days.
goatlover 4 hours ago [-]
Are you confusing Caroll with someone else? I've listened to many of his podcasts and talks. Never heard hims say anything like that.
russdill 8 minutes ago [-]
I think it's coming from when he gets a question about speculative physics.
The of course anything is possible, we just don't know, but it's highly unlikely.
AaronAPU 2 hours ago [-]
That is really interesting. To me he does sound very pompous. I still like him, but he treats most questions like the person should be ashamed of having asked something so foolish.
Different interpretations of the same personality I suppose.
Trasmatta 5 hours ago [-]
I've never once gotten that impression from him
gosub100 2 hours ago [-]
the fact that he takes layman's physics questions at all is proof that he is not pompous.
josh-sematic 4 hours ago [-]
Seconded. I truly consider that podcast a gem of our culture. I know of no comparable resource for generally curious people willing to try and think deeply about things.
iammjm 6 hours ago [-]
Came here to say exactly this. Mindscape is great, with lots of interesting guests and topics. And new episodes come fairly frequently, 1-2 a month i think
eis 6 hours ago [-]
He actually publishes a new episode every Monday! Once a month he publishes a special AMA episode which covers a lot of listener (Patreon subscribers) questions and usually is 3-4 hours long! I'm always looking forward to these especially :)
giglamesh 6 hours ago [-]
Thank you! I will never click on a you tube link without a solid prior recommendation. I really appreciate "complex topics in easy to understand terms" and look forward to checking this out.
He since has written an in-depth three-volume book series on these topics: https://preposterousuniverse.com/biggestideas/. (He recently also completed the third volume, Complexity and Emergence, but it will only be published next year.)
Too much of the science that breaks into the mainstream (AI being the obvious example) is framed primarily from a negative viewpoint (or, remember the "LHC will spawn a blackhole that engulfs the earth" talk, instead of a focus on the incredible science behind it)
He has a talent for explaining complex topics in easy to understand terms and avoids the trap of outrage and controversy driven social media tricks like some others in the field.
Mostly the episodes are specific topics with a guest who's area of research/specialty is the topic and which stay pretty well on-topic.
Most of the AMA episodes are in the area's where Carroll specialize: physics and philosophy of science. It -occasionally- veers off into politics or basketball, but it's nowhere close to 51% politics and basketball. I think the most recent AMA did have more basketball than usual, and admittedly more than I like. And I am not a fan of his politics nor do I consider his political positions especially thoughtful or insightful. But those diversions are more occasional distractions than some majority of the AMA content. And in a 3+ hour Q&A format its not surprising that he's asked about those areas where his regular listeners know that he has a particular interest or position.
He was very influential in pushing me to favour Many Worlds over Copenhagen, and his interviews with people like David Deutsch were gold. Might have to check out what he's doing these days.
The of course anything is possible, we just don't know, but it's highly unlikely.
Different interpretations of the same personality I suppose.