The thinking behind Turing Machines and “universal systems,” is being extended to build a new kind of physics. “Constructor Theory,” is being developed by David Deutsch and Chiara Marletto to better explain life. It even suggests why morality arose.
Search Results
You searched for: Big Think
If you’re looking for a point in space, the answer is going to shock you. “The world you see, nature’s greatest and most glorious creation, and the human mind which gazes […]
As nine states consider legalization or medical use in November, anti-marijuana advocates are relying on old and false claims.
George Musser explains the central role of weirdness in physics, and shatters the dreams of those who hope humans can one day tap into psychic powers.
▸
4 min
—
with
Can one person save the world? This week, Bill Nye finds hope in middle-school student Victoria, who asks what she can do to pull her weight in our current environmental crisis.
▸
4 min
—
with
Neither happiness nor success “can be pursued,” says Viktor Frankl. These states of being must “ensue…as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”
Looking for new ways to teach the intellectual capital of humanity to its students, Glasgow University is offering a philosophy course based on the character of Homer Simpson.
New research at MIT might be a game-changer for Alzheimer’s. But you don’t have to wait to strengthen your brain’s memory system.
Why can’t we marshal the enthusiasm we have for exploring Mars to solve problems on planet Earth? Bill Nye says we’re natural explorers and that potential discoveries on Mars have captured our imagination.
▸
7 min
—
with
And can we even agree on the definition of ‘nothingness’? “Alone, I often fall down into nothingness. I must push my foot stealthily lest I should fall off the edge […]
Want to Help Defuse ISIS’ Propaganda? See How It Works from the Inside. The recent attacks in Paris shine a light on the world’s current biggest boogeyman: ISIS. “Boogeyman” is […]
In the depths of intergalactic space, the Big Bang’s leftover glow is just 2.73 K. But this spot in our own galaxy is even colder. “If you want your boomerang to […]
A company has received approval to try and partially revive brain-dead patients in India.
The mystery behind star KIC 8462852 (aka Tabby Star) continues. Many scientists have proposed ideas but all explanations (so far) seem as unlikely as the Dyson Sphere theory.
Everything you always wanted to know about the Dutch, but were afraid to ask because they spit while they speak
This is a cyborg stingray. It’s as big as a penny, guided by a laser, and moves on its own when exposed to blue light. And it’s the brainchild of Kevin Kit Parker.
October had one, November will have one and December will have one, too. What’s the science of Supermoons? “The supermoon is a 16-inch pizza compared with a 15-inch pizza. It’s […]
46 billion light years in all directions in just 13.8 billion years? Here’s how it’s done! “They say the universe is expanding. That should help with the traffic.” –Steven Wright There are […]
All teachers should strive to instill in their students the ability to think rationally and clearly communicate their conclusions. One educator has recommended using heavy metal as a focal topic in teaching sound thinking.
If you’ve ever wondered just why it has piqued the interest of so many, have a look inside. “I just think too many nice things have happened in string theory for […]
This is not the outcome you’re looking for.
Even if the Universe grows to infinity, there might not be enough space to hold all the possibilities. “We are actually living in a million parallel realities every single minute.” –Marina […]
Rabble-rousing politicians may be uniquely benefitting from the Information Age.
According to Pulitzer prize-nominated writer Nicholas Carr the internet is a utopia in which we never have to confront anything. When technology and humanity intersect, how does it affect our brains, our intellect, and our ability to explore?
The Kardashev Scale measures the advancement of cosmic societies.
Genius kids are caught in the Goldilocks oatmeal paradox – if there’s too much heat on extracting their ability they suffer, but keep too cool a distance and they’ll be wasted.
Sebastian Junger takes a big-picture look at depression, PTSD, and the importance of the tribe in his new book.
A new experimental drug can theoretically take out any virus, while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Rosalind Franklin is most known for her role in first capturing the blueprint for life. Her efforts provided the evidence to deduce the double helix structure of DNA.
There is a new wellness trend emerging in South Korea – experiencing your own funeral. While at first this sounds twisted, in truth this ritual utilizes what other cultures have long known.