Fashion, Faith, and Fantasy in the New Physics of the Universe

What can fashionable ideas, blind faith, or pure fantasy possibly have to do with the scientific quest to understand the universe?  In his new book, acclaimed physicist and bestselling author Dr. Roger Penrose argues that researchers working at the extreme frontiers of physics are just as susceptible to these forces. In his provocative new book, he argues that fashion, faith and fantasy may be leading todays scientists astray in three key areas: string theory, quantum mechanics, and cosmology.

In drawing out tangible examples from string theory, cosmology and quantum mechanics, Penrose cautions that the fashionable nature of a theory can cloud our judgement of its plausibility. He argues that most of the current fantastical ideas about the origins of the universe cannot be true but that an even wilder reality may lie behind them. Turning devils advocate, Dr. Penrose describes how fashion, faith and fantasy have ironically also shaped his own work. Come talk about some of the most significant developments in physics today with one of the worlds most eminent scientists.

Sir Roger Penrose in conversation with Dr. Roger Blandford