Breaking Math Podcast

Tom Chivers discusses his book 'Everything is Predictable: How Bayesian Statistics Explain Our World' and the applications of Bayesian statistics in various fields. He explains how Bayesian reasoning can be used to make predictions and evaluate the likelihood of hypotheses. Chivers also touches on the intersection of AI and ethics, particularly in relation to AI-generated art. The conversation explores the history of Bayes' theorem and its role in science, law, and medicine. Overall, the discussion highlights the power and implications of Bayesian statistics in understanding and navigating the world. The conversation explores the role of AI in prediction and the importance of Bayesian thinking. It discusses the progress of AI in image classification and the challenges it still faces, such as accurately depicting fine details like hands. The conversation also delves into the topic of predictions going wrong, particularly in the context of conspiracy theories. It highlights the Bayesian nature of human beliefs and the influence of prior probabilities on updating beliefs with new evidence. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the relevance of Bayesian statistics in various fields and the need for beliefs to have probabilities and predictions attached to them.Takeaways Bayesian statistics can be used to make predictions and evaluate the likelihood of hypotheses. Bayes' theorem has applications in various fields, including science, law, and medicine. The intersection of AI and ethics raises complex questions about AI-generated art and the predictability of human behavior. Understanding Bayesian reasoning can enhance decision-making and critical thinking skills. AI has made significant progress in image classification, but still faces challenges in accurately depicting fine details. Predictions can go wrong due to the influence of prior beliefs and the interpretation of new evidence. Beliefs should have probabilities and predictions attached to them, allowing for updates with new information. Bayesian thinking is crucial in various fields, including AI, pharmaceuticals, and decision-making. The importance of defining predictions and probabilities when engaging in debates and discussions.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, WebsiteFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFolllow Gabe on Twitter.email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Summary**Tensor Poster - If you are interested in the Breaking Math Tensor Poster on the mathematics of General Relativity, email us at BreakingMathPodcast@gmail.comIn this episode, Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf interview Steve Nadis, the author of the book 'The Gravity of Math.' They discuss the mathematics of gravity, including the work of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, gravitational waves, black holes, and recent developments in the field. Nadis shares his collaboration with Shing-Tung Yau and their journey in writing the book. They also talk about their shared experience at Hampshire College and the importance of independent thinking in education.  In this conversation, Steve Nadis discusses the mathematical foundations of general relativity and the contributions of mathematicians to the theory. He explains how Einstein was introduced to the concept of gravity by Bernhard Riemann and learned about tensor calculus from Gregorio Ricci and Tullio Levi-Civita. Nadis also explores Einstein's discovery of the equivalence principle and his realization that a theory of gravity would require accelerated motion. He describes the development of the equations of general relativity and their significance in understanding the curvature of spacetime. Nadis highlights the ongoing research in general relativity, including the detection of gravitational waves and the exploration of higher dimensions and black holes. He also discusses the contributions of mathematician Emmy Noether to the conservation laws in physics. Finally, Nadis explains Einstein's cosmological constant and its connection to dark energy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Book Overview08:09 Collaboration and Writing Process25:48 Interest in Black Holes and Recent Developments35:30 The Mathematical Foundations of General Relativity44:55 The Curvature of Spacetime and the Equations of General Relativity56:06 Recent Discoveries in General Relativity01:06:46 Emmy Noether's Contributions to Conservation Laws01:13:48 Einstein's Cosmological Constant and Dark EnergySubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, WebsiteFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFolllow Gabe on Twitter.email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Summary:  The episode discusses the 10,000 year dilemma, which is a thought experiment on how to deal with nuclear waste in the future.  Today's episode is hosted by guest host David Gibson, who is the founder of the Ray Kitty Creation Workshop. (Find out more about the Ray Kitty Creation Workshop by clicking here).  Gabriel and Autumn are out this week, but will be returning in short order with 3 separate interviews with authors of some fantastic popular science and math books including: The Gravity of Math:  How Geometry Rules the Universe by Dr. Shing-Tung Yau and Steve Nadis.    This book is all about the history of our understanding of gravity from the theories of Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein and beyond, including gravitational waves, black holes, as well as some of the current uncertainties regarding a precise definition of mass.  On sale now!   EVERYTHING IS PREDICTABLE: How Bayesian Statistics Explain Our World by Tom Chivers.  Published by Simon and Schuster.   This book explains the importance of Baye's Theorem in helping us to understand why  highly accurate screening tests can lead to false positives, a phenomenon we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic; How a failure to account for Bayes’ Theorem has put innocent people in jail; How military strategists using the theorem can predict where an enemy will strike next, and how Baye's Theorem is helping us to understang machine learning processes - a critical skillset to have in the 21st century. Available 05/07/2024 A CITY ON MARS: Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through?  by authors Dr. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith.  Zach Weinersmith is the artist and creator of the famous cartoon strip Saturday Morning Breaking Cereal!  We've got a lot of great episodes coming up!  Stay tuned.  

SummaryBrain Organelles, A.I. and Defining Intelligence in  Nature- In this episode, we continue our fascinating interview with GT, a science content creator on TikTok and YouTube known for their captivating - and sometimes disturbing science content. GT can be found on the handle ‘@bearBaitOfficial’ on most social media channels.  In this episode, we resume our discussion on Brain Organelles -  which are grown from human stem cells - how they are being used to learn about disease, how they may be integrated in A.I.  as well as eithical concerns with them. We also ponder what constitutes intelligence in nature, and even touch on the potential risks of AI behaving nefariously. You won't want to miss this thought-provoking and engaging discussion.30% Off ZenCastr DiscountUse My Special Link to save e 30%  Off Your First Month of Any ZenCastr Paid Plan

Join Sofia Baca and her guests Millicent Oriana from Nerd Forensics and Arianna Lunarosa as they discuss energy.The sound that you're listening to, the device that you're listening on, and the cells in both the ear you're using to listen and the brain that understands these words have at least one thing in common: they represent the consumption or transference of energy. The same goes for your eyes if you're reading a transcript of this. The waves in the ears are pressure waves, while eyes receive information in the form of radiant energy, but they both are still called "energy". But what is energy? Energy is a scalar quantity measured in dimensions of force times distance, and the role that energy plays depends on the dynamics of the system. So what is the difference between potential and kinetic energy? How can understanding energy simplify problems? And how do we design a roller coaster in frictionless physics land?[Featuring: Sofia Baca; Millicent Oriana, Arianna Lunarosa]This episode is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Full text here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

An interview with Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder about her second book Existential Physics. Sabine is host of the famous youtube show Science with Sabine. 

The world around us is a four-dimensional world; there are three spatial dimensions, and one temporal dimension. Many of these objects emit an almost unfathomable number of photons. As we developed as creatures on this planet, we gathered the ability to sense the world around us; and given the amount of information represented as photons, it is no surprise that we developed an organ for sensing photons. But because of the amount of photons that are involved, and our relatively limited computational resources, it is necessary to develop shortcuts if we want to simulate an environment in silico. So what is raytracing? How is that different from what happens in games? And what does Ptolemy have to do with 3D graphics? All of this and more on this episode of Breaking Math.

Physical objects are everywhere, and they're all made out of molecules, and atoms. However, the arrangement and refinement of these atoms can be the difference between a computer and sand, or between a tree and paper. For a species as reliant on tool use, the ability to conceieve of, design, create, and produce these materials is an ongoing concern. Since we've been around as humans, and even before, we have been material scientists in some regard, searching for new materials to make things out of, including the tools we use to make things. So what is the difference between iron and steel? How do we think up new things to make things out of? And what are time crystals? All of this and more on this episode of Breaking Math.This episode is released under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. More information here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/[Featuring: Sofía Baca, Gabriel Hesch; Taylor Sparks]

Black holes are objects that seem exotic to us because they have properties that boggle our comparatively mild-mannered minds. These are objects that light cannot escape from, yet glow with the energy they have captured until they evaporate out all of their mass. They thus have temperature, but Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts a paradoxically smooth form. And perhaps most mind-boggling of all, it seems at first glance that they have the ability to erase information. So what is black hole thermodynamics? How does it interact with the fabric of space? And what are virtual particles?

The idea of something that is inescapable, at first glance, seems to violate our sense of freedom. This sense of freedom, for many, seems so intrinsic to our way of seeing the universe that it seems as though such an idea would only beget horror in the human mind. And black holes, being objects from which not even light can escape, for many do beget that same existential horror. But these objects are not exotic: they form regularly in our universe, and their role in the intricate web of existence that is our universe is as valid as the laws that result in our own humanity. So what are black holes? How can they have information? And how does this relate to the edge of the universe?

In the United States, the fourth of July is celebrated as a national holiday, where the focus of that holiday is the war that had the end effect of ending England’s colonial influence over the American colonies. To that end, we are here to talk about war, and how it has been influenced by mathematics and mathematicians. The brutality of war and the ingenuity of war seem to stand at stark odds to one another, as one begets temporary chaos and the other represents lasting accomplishment in the sciences. Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest western minds, thought war was an illness, but worked on war machines. Feynman and Von Neumann held similar views, as have many over time; part of being human is being intrigued and disgusted by war, which is something we have to be aware of as a species. So what is warfare? What have we learned from refining its practice? And why do we find it necessary?

The fabric of the natural world is an issue of no small contention: philosophers and truth-seekers universally debate about and study the nature of reality, and exist as long as there are observers in that reality. One topic that has grown from a curiosity to a branch of mathematics within the last century is the topic of cellular automata. Cellular automata are named as such for the simple reason that they involve discrete cells (which hold a (usually finite and countable) range of values) and the cells, over some field we designate as "time", propagate to simple automatic rules. So what can cellular automata do? What have we learned from them? And how could they be involved in the future of the way we view the world?

The spectre of disease causes untold mayhem, anguish, and desolation. The extent to which this spectre has yielded its power, however, has been massively curtailed in the past century. To understand how this has been accomplished, we must understand the science and mathematics of epidemiology. Epidemiology is the field of study related to how disease unfolds in a population. So how has epidemiology improved our lives? What have we learned from it? And what can we do to learn more from it?

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Nicolas Niarchos critique the "green" narrative of lithium-ion technology. Tracing the industry from its 1991 commercialization to modern geopolitical tensions, the hosts expose the exploitation and environmental degradation inherent in global mining, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By challenging the presumed sustainability of electric vehicles, they emphasize the need for supply chain transparency and urge listeners to adopt a more informed, ethically-conscious approach to modern consumption.Takeaways What does it really cost to power the future? The bargain as stated is clean energy in one part and at the other end, you have corruption, pollution, and human suffering. The greenest vehicle is not always the electric one; it depends on the entire lifecycle of the product. We need to improve conditions on the ground, not just extract resources. Corruption is unfortunately a fact of life and is very closely related to extraction.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:24 The Journey to Congo and Corruption 07:13 The Birth of Lithium-Ion Batteries 09:35 The Uneven Global Bargain 12:16 Mining vs. Oil: A Different Kind of Harm 13:56 Onshoring Battery Production: Challenges and Opportunities 17:13 China's Dominance in Battery Manufacturing 18:51 The Race in Battery Technology 21:39 Corruption and Poverty in the Congo 24:31 The Human Cost of Mining 29:12 Health Impacts of Mining 31:52 Colonial Legacy and Modern Mining 34:00 The Future of Battery Technology 39:12 Introduction to Complex Narratives 39:53 The Reality of Resource Extraction 39:59 Embracing Curiosity and ReflectionFollow Nick on Twitter, and you can get his book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this conversation, the discussion with C. Thi Nguyen revolves around the nature of metrics, qualitative knowledge, and the duality of scoring systems, particularly in the context of climbing. The speaker shares personal experiences with climbing as a case study to illustrate how scoring systems can both enhance and detract from the experience. The conversation delves into the beauty of climbing, the subtlety of value in metrics, and the importance of savoring moments in games. It also explores the tension between purpose and game mechanics, the role of enjoyment, and the complexities of scoring systems in both games and life. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the challenges of balancing values in decision-making and the risks associated with the gamification of various aspects of life.Takeaways Metrics can miss the subtlety of qualitative knowledge. Scoring systems can enhance or detract from experiences. Climbing serves as a unique case study for scoring systems. The beauty of climbing lies in its scoring system. Values can become obscured when metrics are prioritized. Games allow for exploration of different scoring systems. Achievement play focuses on winning, while striving play values the process. External expectations can pressure individuals to conform to metrics. The addictive nature of games can lead to negative experiences.Chapters 00:00 The Intricacies of Portability and Judgment 01:12 Introduction and Social Media Presence 03:40 The Value of Climbing and Scoring Systems 07:16 The Impact of Numbers in Climbing 09:42 Savoring the Moment vs. Obsession with Scoring 10:59 Goals vs. Purpose in Games 12:39 Understanding Value Capture 17:53 The Shift in Standards of Success 20:33 The Limitations of Metrics 21:42 Games as a Reflection of Human Desire 24:37 The Purpose Behind Scoring Systems 26:07 The Magic Circle of Games 29:15 Achievement Play vs. Striving Play 34:47 When Games Become Unsafe 38:21 The Pitfalls of Portability in MetricsFollow Thi on Twitter, Bluesky, and find his website. You can get his book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

This conversation explores the fascinating intersection of math, physics, and art, highlighting how these disciplines inform and inspire one another. Dr. Ronald Gamble discusses his journey as a theoretical physicist and artist, emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns in nature and the role of creativity in scientific discovery. The dialogue delves into various topics, including the significance of symmetry in physics, the visualization of complex concepts like black holes and gravitational waves, and the influence of mathematical principles on artistic expression. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the idea that art and science are deeply interconnected, each enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the other.Takeaways Inspiration is pattern recognition. Math serves as a language to describe physics. Art and physics both seek to decode patterns in the universe. Studying nature can enhance understanding of physics concepts. Creativity is essential in theoretical physics. Symmetry plays a crucial role in understanding the universe. Art can influence scientific thought and vice versa.Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Math, Physics, and Art 03:57 Finding Inspiration in Nature 06:16 The Art of Storytelling in Physics 08:31 Patterns in Nature and Art 10:13 The Influence of Physics on Art 12:23 Understanding Symmetry in Physics 16:46 Exploring Black Holes and Particle Physics 21:03 The Role of Tessellations in Physics 25:24 Celebrating Scientific Collaborations 27:24 The Art of Tessellation and Structure 29:06 The Power of Minimalism in Art and Science 31:05 Exploring Black Holes and Gravitational Waves 38:59 The Artistic Journey into Physics CourseFollow Ron on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and find his website.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this conversation, Dr. Katharina Reinecke explores the intersection of technology and culture, discussing how cultural assumptions shape the design and functionality of technology. She delves into the implications of self-driving cars, the importance of understanding diverse user experiences, and the challenges posed by a predominantly Western perspective in technology development. The discussion highlights the need for greater cultural sensitivity in technology design and the potential consequences of ignoring these differences.Takeaways Technology is not culturally neutral; it reflects the values of its creators. Self-driving cars are based on American commuting assumptions. Cultural differences significantly impact user experience and technology design. Efficiency in technology can undermine social interactions and relationships. WEIRD populations dominate technology research, leading to biased outcomes. Universal design principles often fail when applied globally. Stack Exchange exemplifies individualistic design, contrasting with collectivist values. AI systems must be designed with cultural sensitivity to avoid reinforcing biases.Chapters 00:00 Understanding Digital Culture Shock 03:53 The Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles 06:21 Cultural Assumptions in Technology 08:37 The Impact of AI and Data Bias 10:32 Efficiency vs. Social Interaction in Design 12:14 The Concept of 'Weird' Populations 14:24 Cultural Values in Digital Platforms 21:53 The Simplicity of Design and Its Cultural Impact 22:51 Efficiency vs. Community: The Stack Exchange Debate 25:41 Adapting Global Platforms to Local Norms 31:52 The Implications of AI and Digital Infrastructure 34:34 Recognizing Cultural Bias in Technology Design 37:42 Technology as CultureFollow Katharina on Twitter, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and find her new book here.You can find Lab in the Wild on Twitter and BlueskySubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the DNA structure. Dr.  Matthew Cobb, the guest, explores Crick's multifaceted personality, his poetic inspirations, collaborative nature, and his later pursuits in consciousness. The discussion also touches on the controversies surrounding his work, particularly regarding the contributions of Rosalind Franklin, and reflects on Crick's complex character, blending modern scientific thought with outdated socio-political ideas.Takeaways Crick's story is often simplified to his DNA discovery. He had a deep appreciation for poetry and its connection to science. Collaboration was a key aspect of Crick's success. His early life was marked by average academic performance. Crick's transition to biology was driven by a desire to understand life. The discovery of DNA was a complex, collaborative effort. Controversies exist regarding the ethics of scientific discovery. Crick's later work focused on the nature of consciousness. He had a unique blend of intuition and logical thinking. Crick's outdated socio-political views contrast with his scientific modernity.Chapters 00:00 The Legacy of Francis Crick 01:13 Introduction to Matthew Cobb and His Book 03:43 The Influence of Francis Crick 06:19 Crick's Unique Approach to Science 07:19 Crick's Early Life and Self-Perception 10:04 The Impact of Naval Service on Crick 12:34 Crick's Transition to Biology 15:06 The Role of Schrodinger's Work 17:26 The Dynamic Between Watson and Crick 20:13 The Discovery of the Double Helix 23:02 The Controversy of Rosalind Franklin's Contribution 28:23 The Diplomatic Row and Pauling's Mistake 29:38 The Discovery of DNA's Structure 34:31 Crick and Brenner's Collaboration 38:41 Crick's Exploration of Consciousness 43:03 Crick's Complex LegacyFollow Matthew on Twitter, and find his new book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

This conversation explores the intersection of mathematics and human experience, focusing on historical figures, philosophical debates, and the ethical implications of scientific progress. Jason Socrates Bardi discusses his book 'The Great Math War', which delves into the personal stories of mathematicians, the challenges of teaching math, and the relevance of these themes in today's world, particularly in the context of AI and misinformation.Takeaways The personal experiences of mathematicians shape their work. Philosophical clashes in mathematics reflect broader societal issues. Hilbert's optimism about problem-solving parallels today's AI discussions. Historical context is crucial in understanding mathematical developments. Ethics in science must be prioritized to avoid past mistakes. There are limits to human knowledge that we must acknowledge. Mathematics is a fundamental human skill, not just for the gifted. The future of mathematics will be influenced by AI and technology. Understanding historical fallacies can inform current practices. Kovalevsky's story is an inspiring example of overcoming barriers.Chapters 00:00 The Personal Journey Behind The Great Math War 03:08 The Philosophical Clash in Mathematics 05:13 The Great Math War: Key Players and Their Missions 07:38 The Foundations of Mathematics: Paradoxes and Theories 08:55 The Role of Historical Context in Mathematics 10:00 The Human Side of Mathematics: Stories of Resilience 12:36 Ethics in Science and the Modern Age 14:56 The Future of Mathematics and Technology 25:32 The Spectrum of Idealism and Realism 26:13 Understanding Ignoramus et Ignoramnibus 29:04 Neuroscience and the Evolution of Mathematics 33:12 The Future of AI and Consciousness 35:31 Fallacies and Paradoxes in Mathematics 38:31 The Legacy of Sofia Kovalesky 43:10 The Great Math War: A Reflection on Logic and HumanityFollow Jason on LinkedIn, Twitter, and find his new book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this conversation, Dr.Vlatko Vedral discusses the complexities of quantum mechanics and its implications for our understanding of reality. He explores the stagnation in physics, the importance of thought experiments, and the potential for new discoveries through technological advancements. Vlatko emphasizes the need for adventurous research and the role of quantum information in shaping future scientific inquiries. He also speculates on the transformative possibilities of quantum technologies and their impact on human perception.Takeaways Quantum mechanics challenges our understanding of reality. The observer effect is central to quantum mechanics. Physics has been stagnant with two main theories for over a century. Technological advancements are paving the way for new experiments. Thought experiments can guide genuine scientific discovery. The integration of quantum mechanics and general relativity is crucial. Quantum information theory expands our understanding of computation. New theories may emerge from the intersection of quantum mechanics and technology. The perception of reality may evolve with quantum technologies. Funding and research approaches need to be more adventurous.Chapters 00:00 Exploring Quantum Reality 04:48 The Stagnation of Physics 08:41 The Clouds of Uncertainty 12:46 Thought Experiments and Their Power 16:01 Five Experiments for the Future 24:54 Technological Feasibility of Experiments 28:27 Quantum Theory and Its Foundations 34:08 The Role of Quantum Information 39:35 Imagining New Realities Through PortalsFollow Vlatko on LinkedIn, Substack, and find their new book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com