I've been thinking, lately, about free will -- and I recalled this article that I read last year. It's a good, concise analysis of causality (particularly the bits about levels of complexity), and addresses some of the fallacies of breaking down human behavior into ever-smaller constituent components:
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/09/free_will_debate_what_does_free_will_mean_and_how_did_it_evolve.html
The question is a version of "are we more than the sum of our parts?" Many people attempt to derive an answer from religion, espousing a concept of "soul," a metaphysical quantity that science is -- by definition -- unable to prove or disprove. But in the absence of such a belief, are we not just collections of atoms? Isn't each of our thought processes a mere chemical reaction in our neurons? It's a chilling way to think about ourselves; the idea that there is only one possible course of events because our actions are governed by a set immutable physical laws, that each circumstance leads logically into a specific next circumstance, is essentially a secular version of the idea of fate or predestination.
But there's a scientific argument against fate: the multiverse. If there is an infinite number of possible universes, infinitely many points at which one universe becomes multiple, then there isn't one logical state for the universe at any given point in time. The possibility of parallel universes implies, if not conscious choice at all times, then at least many possible outcomes, none of which are certain to happen. Quantum physics likewise deals with uncertainty -- with thought experiments such as Schroedinger's Cat, in which a situation manifests both possible outcomes simultaneously. Science, it appears, disproves fate.
Then, there are situations like this one, in which one person's choice, a split-second decision in a situation of incomplete information, may have prevented all-out nuclear destruction:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24280831
Given a circumstance like this, it's hard not to believe in free will. I'm sure that there's a parallel universe out there in which the world ended on September 26, 1983.
Showing posts with label space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label space. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Carl Sagan Day
Happy Carl Sagan Day!
Carl Sagan was one of the first and most well-known American populist scientists. That is, he championed the worthy cause of bringing science (especially astronomy) to the non-scientist public. (For comparison's sake, he was a contemporary of Freeman Dyson, another such luminary, and the forefather of scientists like Brian Greene and Neil deGrasse Tyson.) Sagan is perhaps best known for his novel Contact, subsequently made into an eponymous film, and for the television series Cosmos. It's fitting that he should have his own day of celebration (he would have been 79 today), wherein people contemplate the great beyond.
In addition to popularizing science, Sagan was also one of the great advocates for SETI in his day, as well as a proponent of nuclear disarmament. He was, as were many great scientists, a profound humanist. He was the originator of the saying "We are all stardust," one of my all-time favorites. (If I were ever to get a quotation tattooed somewhere on my body, this would be a top contender. It helps that it's short.) In another life, I might have gone into astrophysics -- largely because I grew up reading books by people like him.
Addendum: the Library of Congress recently acquired Carl Sagan's papers, which include his reading lists. This is facinating stuff!
Carl Sagan was one of the first and most well-known American populist scientists. That is, he championed the worthy cause of bringing science (especially astronomy) to the non-scientist public. (For comparison's sake, he was a contemporary of Freeman Dyson, another such luminary, and the forefather of scientists like Brian Greene and Neil deGrasse Tyson.) Sagan is perhaps best known for his novel Contact, subsequently made into an eponymous film, and for the television series Cosmos. It's fitting that he should have his own day of celebration (he would have been 79 today), wherein people contemplate the great beyond.
In addition to popularizing science, Sagan was also one of the great advocates for SETI in his day, as well as a proponent of nuclear disarmament. He was, as were many great scientists, a profound humanist. He was the originator of the saying "We are all stardust," one of my all-time favorites. (If I were ever to get a quotation tattooed somewhere on my body, this would be a top contender. It helps that it's short.) In another life, I might have gone into astrophysics -- largely because I grew up reading books by people like him.
Addendum: the Library of Congress recently acquired Carl Sagan's papers, which include his reading lists. This is facinating stuff!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Curiosity Rover Sings Happy Birthday to Itself
Two days late (the rover Curiosity landed on Mars on August 5, 2012), but just as awesome:
http://youtu.be/uxVVgBAosqg
I am reminded of WALL-E. (I trust I'm not the only one?)
http://youtu.be/uxVVgBAosqg
I am reminded of WALL-E. (I trust I'm not the only one?)
Friday, June 21, 2013
BBC: A One-Way Trip to Mars
I've been reading Asimov lately, and consequently thinking about space colonization. One of the most often-cited barriers to human colonization of extraterrestrial worlds is the presumed lack of volunteers willing to make a one-way journey to another planet; it seems too conclusive, a course of action only the deeply desperate or truly dissatisfied would be willing to undertake. (Fortunately for human rights, but unfortunately for space colonization, penal colonies -- the interplanetary version of 19th century Australia -- don't seem to be a viable option.)
It seems, however, that not everyone shares said pessimism about human civilization beyond Earth:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120206-space-tourists-one-way-mars-trip
There are a number of examples of migration and settlement in human history that may be considered analogues of space colonization. The Thirteen Colonies, for example, were populated by settlers who never expected to return to their lands of origin, and who were largely unable to communicate with family and friends from their precolonial lives (a product of distance, the unreliability of mail delivery, and illiteracy). And yet, there was no shortage of people willing to make the trip -- there were convicts and bondsmen, to be sure, but also religious minorities, merchants, speculators, explorers, and all manner of people who believed that they could build a better life in the uncharted wilderness than in the known, civilized world. I don't believe that this strain of optimism and curiosity will have disappeared between then and whenever we are capable of sending colonists beyond our orbit.
Would I go? I must admit: probably not. I have too many Earthly attachments -- people, places, moments, experiences (especially people). I would have been reluctant, I think, even in the later eras of immigration by ship; see the song "Kilkelly." It's no coincidence that so many of the early colonists in North America were particularly fervent Protestants who believed that one's mortal existence was ultimately inconsequential (predestination, and the complete rejection of Catholic belief in deed as well as faith), or people with few ties to their original communities, for varying definitions of community. But in an age of faster interplanetary travel, I'd sure love to visit!
Also, I think the idea of sending a few intrepid journalists to document the development of the Martian colony is brilliant. It's not often that we get to study the development of a nascent civilization, and it would prove instructive to have such a chronicle on hand once the colonization of space really begins.
The article mentions a hypothetical poll; I would be very interested to see the results of that particular study. I'm especially curious as to the demographics of an all-volunteer Martian colony, and whether they would reflect a population roughly comparable to the New World colonists.
It seems, however, that not everyone shares said pessimism about human civilization beyond Earth:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120206-space-tourists-one-way-mars-trip
There are a number of examples of migration and settlement in human history that may be considered analogues of space colonization. The Thirteen Colonies, for example, were populated by settlers who never expected to return to their lands of origin, and who were largely unable to communicate with family and friends from their precolonial lives (a product of distance, the unreliability of mail delivery, and illiteracy). And yet, there was no shortage of people willing to make the trip -- there were convicts and bondsmen, to be sure, but also religious minorities, merchants, speculators, explorers, and all manner of people who believed that they could build a better life in the uncharted wilderness than in the known, civilized world. I don't believe that this strain of optimism and curiosity will have disappeared between then and whenever we are capable of sending colonists beyond our orbit.
Would I go? I must admit: probably not. I have too many Earthly attachments -- people, places, moments, experiences (especially people). I would have been reluctant, I think, even in the later eras of immigration by ship; see the song "Kilkelly." It's no coincidence that so many of the early colonists in North America were particularly fervent Protestants who believed that one's mortal existence was ultimately inconsequential (predestination, and the complete rejection of Catholic belief in deed as well as faith), or people with few ties to their original communities, for varying definitions of community. But in an age of faster interplanetary travel, I'd sure love to visit!
Also, I think the idea of sending a few intrepid journalists to document the development of the Martian colony is brilliant. It's not often that we get to study the development of a nascent civilization, and it would prove instructive to have such a chronicle on hand once the colonization of space really begins.
The article mentions a hypothetical poll; I would be very interested to see the results of that particular study. I'm especially curious as to the demographics of an all-volunteer Martian colony, and whether they would reflect a population roughly comparable to the New World colonists.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
io9: Race Relations in the Space Age
An adorable, moving video about breaking all sorts of glass ceilings in pursuit of one's dreams (also, Star Trek pioneering integration FTW):
http://io9.com/5981089/a-sweet-animated-tale-of-challenger-astronaut-ronald-mcnairs-early-experience-standing-up-to-racism
Ronald McNair. I didn't know who he was until I saw this, but I'm glad I found it. I'll admit to tearing up a little at the end. (Challenger, why?) He's one of the many unsung heroes of science -- much as the Catholic Church has a body of saints, I propose that science establish its own roster of martyrs for the cause. McNair would be up there with Galileo and Marie Curie.
http://io9.com/5981089/a-sweet-animated-tale-of-challenger-astronaut-ronald-mcnairs-early-experience-standing-up-to-racism
Ronald McNair. I didn't know who he was until I saw this, but I'm glad I found it. I'll admit to tearing up a little at the end. (Challenger, why?) He's one of the many unsung heroes of science -- much as the Catholic Church has a body of saints, I propose that science establish its own roster of martyrs for the cause. McNair would be up there with Galileo and Marie Curie.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
NASA's Take on Gangnam Style
I found this on io9, and it's too good not to share:
One of the more amusing things in this video (there are many) is the varying levels of enthusiasm and embarrassment among the NASA employees. Some people are extremely excited to be part of it, some are rather embarrassed to be dancing on YouTube for the world to see (and having fun while they're at it), some are Not Amused, some are gritting their teeth and dancing in the name of science, and some (mostly the ones at the end) are probably secretly shaking their heads and thinking, "kids these days." I can only imagine what it must have taken to persuade a bunch of scientists to put this thing together -- which is probably not all that much, come to think of it. This is a pretty geeky idea of a good time! (Also, a fun form of science outreach, which we need more of these days.)
One of the more amusing things in this video (there are many) is the varying levels of enthusiasm and embarrassment among the NASA employees. Some people are extremely excited to be part of it, some are rather embarrassed to be dancing on YouTube for the world to see (and having fun while they're at it), some are Not Amused, some are gritting their teeth and dancing in the name of science, and some (mostly the ones at the end) are probably secretly shaking their heads and thinking, "kids these days." I can only imagine what it must have taken to persuade a bunch of scientists to put this thing together -- which is probably not all that much, come to think of it. This is a pretty geeky idea of a good time! (Also, a fun form of science outreach, which we need more of these days.)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Abstruse Goose: In Cabin'd Ships at Sea
Whitman in the modern age (courtesy of Brett):
http://abstrusegoose.com/477
(You may have to click on the image to make the font a more legible size.)
It frustrates me to no end when people claim that poetry written long ago is irrelevant to life today. Part of the appeal of literature is its timelessness -- that while the specific time and place depicted might be past, human nature has not changed over the centuries. (I maintain that the Oedipus Cycle is one of the original family dramas. Would anything that messed up air on modern television? (Wait, A Game of Thrones is now on HBO. I take that back.))
Seriously, if you think poetry is outdated, quote your girlfriend some Yeats or Neruda or Shakespeare. Or, if you have a boyfriend, some Anne Bradstreet or Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Book Critiqua, and the Universe at Large
My latest column is up! You can find it at: http://www.stanforddaily.com/2012/03/09/book-critiqua-space-chronicles/
I'd never read anything of Tyson's before this one, but Space Chronicles makes me want to check out some of his other works. His writing reminds me a little of Freeman J. Dyson's books -- an old favorite when it comes to theoretical physics.
On a related note, here's a video that Lucas sent me. It's Tyson talking about the beauty of the universe, the "we are all stardust" sentiment. (He says it more poetically than I do.) People who don't think that atheists can find meaning in life should watch this.
I'd never read anything of Tyson's before this one, but Space Chronicles makes me want to check out some of his other works. His writing reminds me a little of Freeman J. Dyson's books -- an old favorite when it comes to theoretical physics.
On a related note, here's a video that Lucas sent me. It's Tyson talking about the beauty of the universe, the "we are all stardust" sentiment. (He says it more poetically than I do.) People who don't think that atheists can find meaning in life should watch this.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Economist: Customs and Immigration... from the Moon
Those astronauts had a great sense of humor (and so, too, does The Economist):
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/10/space-travel
I think my favorite part is the declaration of health.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/10/space-travel
I think my favorite part is the declaration of health.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
NYTimes: Atlantis, or, the End of an Era
The last mission of the NASA space shuttle program departed today:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/science/space/09shuttle.html?_r=1&ref=global-home
I realize I'm unusually nostalgic when it comes to space exploration, and the shuttle in particular (I discuss it in a previous post, which, ironically, is about what was projected to be Atlantis's last flight.), but I still can't quite believe that the last shuttle is being decommissioned.
NASA is exploring alternatives in human spaceflight, but it will be a long while before the United States achieves anything close to its shuttle-based capabilities with other technologies. In the interim, I would be concerned for the space program, especially its ability to make an impression on potential recruits. Nothing inspires starstruck kids as much as human spaceflight -- I would know (as a child, I harbored dreams of becoming an astronaut).
While private ventures, like SpaceX, are doing an admirable job of innovating for the next generation of human spaceflight, much like the European explorers setting sail in the 1600s who were often funded by merchants and investors, they ultimately still need the backing of a government that can chart the course of not one mission, but an entire exploration program. Since human spaceflight does not produce immediate profits, require a longer view than most private ventures can tolerate, and involves more intricate international (political) interaction than most other industries, the government's role is still critical.
Let's see what takes the place of the space shuttle. In the hearts and minds of many space enthusiasts, it will continue to represent an era of great accomplishments and greater dreams.
Or, this Abstruse Goose, anyone?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/science/space/09shuttle.html?_r=1&ref=global-home
I realize I'm unusually nostalgic when it comes to space exploration, and the shuttle in particular (I discuss it in a previous post, which, ironically, is about what was projected to be Atlantis's last flight.), but I still can't quite believe that the last shuttle is being decommissioned.
NASA is exploring alternatives in human spaceflight, but it will be a long while before the United States achieves anything close to its shuttle-based capabilities with other technologies. In the interim, I would be concerned for the space program, especially its ability to make an impression on potential recruits. Nothing inspires starstruck kids as much as human spaceflight -- I would know (as a child, I harbored dreams of becoming an astronaut).
While private ventures, like SpaceX, are doing an admirable job of innovating for the next generation of human spaceflight, much like the European explorers setting sail in the 1600s who were often funded by merchants and investors, they ultimately still need the backing of a government that can chart the course of not one mission, but an entire exploration program. Since human spaceflight does not produce immediate profits, require a longer view than most private ventures can tolerate, and involves more intricate international (political) interaction than most other industries, the government's role is still critical.
Let's see what takes the place of the space shuttle. In the hearts and minds of many space enthusiasts, it will continue to represent an era of great accomplishments and greater dreams.
Or, this Abstruse Goose, anyone?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
MSNBC: Endeavour Crew Recreates Star Trek Movie Poster
The space shuttle Endeavour embarked on its last mission four days ago (after its decommissioning, the only remaining operational shuttle of the original NASA fleet will be the Atlantis). Traditionally, every mission has a themed poster. This mission, STS-134, modeled its poster on the recent Star Trek film poster, which I think is quite fitting, and quite clever. (The inner geek (or maybe not-so-inner geek) in me just had a field day.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43038704/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/endeavour-crew-recreates-star-trek-movie-poster/
What would have been even better would be if it were the shuttle Enterprise, but that was mostly a test shuttle and was decommissioned early in the shuttle program. Still, a girl can dream.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43038704/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/endeavour-crew-recreates-star-trek-movie-poster/
What would have been even better would be if it were the shuttle Enterprise, but that was mostly a test shuttle and was decommissioned early in the shuttle program. Still, a girl can dream.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MSNBC: Two Suns Spotted in China Defy Explanation
A very interesting optical phenomenon spotted about a month ago:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41927089/ns/technology_and_science-space/GT1=43001
I'm inclined to believe that it's an issue of atmospheric refraction, as the article says. I don't think a faulty lens could produce an image of such clarity.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41927089/ns/technology_and_science-space/GT1=43001
I'm inclined to believe that it's an issue of atmospheric refraction, as the article says. I don't think a faulty lens could produce an image of such clarity.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time-Lapse Auroras over Norway
NASA's picture of the day a few days ago, not actually a picture this time, but a really cool, really pretty video of atmospheric and cosmic (to an extent) phenomena:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110328.html
Courtesy of Wendy.
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110328.html
Courtesy of Wendy.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Music Video for Vienna Teng's "Gravity", and the Making Thereof
Despite it being the weekend before finals, I spontaneously went to a concert yesterday. I think I was justified; I had just finished two papers, my first final isn't until Wednesday, and it was Vienna Teng. I've mentioned her here before. One of my all-time favorite musicians, and one of the few "modern" musicians whom I really love.
Anyhow, she has one music video (that I know of, at least, but I checked), for her song "Gravity", and it's beautiful -- too beautiful not to share, so here it is:
And then, I found this (the making of the "Gravity" video):
Enjoy!
Anyhow, she has one music video (that I know of, at least, but I checked), for her song "Gravity", and it's beautiful -- too beautiful not to share, so here it is:
And then, I found this (the making of the "Gravity" video):
Enjoy!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Today
is the 538th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus, who surely needs no introduction (but I'll give a brief one anyways). He was a Renaissance astronomer, the first person to form and champion a good heliocentric construction of the solar system. As I'm currently taking a course on Renaissance arts and sciences, I find this to be particularly well-timed.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
MSNBC: Holiday Bauble Made by Supernova
A belatedly festive astronomical phenomenon:
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/14/5648858-holiday-bauble-made-by-supernova?gt1=43001
It's marvellous and shiny -- what can I say?
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/14/5648858-holiday-bauble-made-by-supernova?gt1=43001
It's marvellous and shiny -- what can I say?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
BBC: Runway Opens at World's First Spaceport
This happened a little over a month ago, so it's not exactly breaking news, but considering I was... otherwise engaged for the duration (which sometimes feels like I was cryogenically suspended for all of November), I think I can be excused a little bit of news-lag. Anyhow, this is really awesome:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11611630
I've been following the exploits of Virgin Galactic and its fellows for a while now, and hoping that they will eventually achieve more than charging a few rich guys a ridiculous (though, I suppose, not terribly unreasonable) sum for a few hours of spaceflight. This gives me hope that these companies have more to them -- that they'll contribute to building the awesome, scifi future we've all dreamed of. Or maybe just the nerds like me.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11611630
I've been following the exploits of Virgin Galactic and its fellows for a while now, and hoping that they will eventually achieve more than charging a few rich guys a ridiculous (though, I suppose, not terribly unreasonable) sum for a few hours of spaceflight. This gives me hope that these companies have more to them -- that they'll contribute to building the awesome, scifi future we've all dreamed of. Or maybe just the nerds like me.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The New Yorker: Einstein Tries to Park His Car in New York
A clever Einstein joke:
I'm a fan of science humour (xkcd, anyone?). Also, I read a lot of Freeman J. Dyson in middle school. (Me, a nerd?)
 |
| http://www.newyorker.com/humor/issuecartoons/2010/10/11/cartoons_20101004#slide=4 |
NYTimes: A Planet, Just Discovered, May Be Inhabitable
Huzzah for scifi-evoking awesomeness!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/science/space/30planet.html?hpw
I believe there's life out there -- we just haven't found it yet (see the Drake equation). This, the discovery of an inhabitable planet, is one step closer.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/science/space/30planet.html?hpw
I believe there's life out there -- we just haven't found it yet (see the Drake equation). This, the discovery of an inhabitable planet, is one step closer.
Friday, September 17, 2010
BBC: Cannibal Star Consumes Neighbor
When I saw the title, I had to click on it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11313601
Basically, one star devours another star that got too close. Very interesting, especially since it's not just a matter of the cannibalistic star getting bigger; it also absorbed some of the properties of the smaller one, to the point where scientists weren't sure whether the new dual-star was an old one, or a larger new one.
I miss astronomy sometimes (I live it vicariously by reading science books). I once took a class on it in middle school, and it was one of the best summers ever.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11313601
Basically, one star devours another star that got too close. Very interesting, especially since it's not just a matter of the cannibalistic star getting bigger; it also absorbed some of the properties of the smaller one, to the point where scientists weren't sure whether the new dual-star was an old one, or a larger new one.
I miss astronomy sometimes (I live it vicariously by reading science books). I once took a class on it in middle school, and it was one of the best summers ever.
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