Guest Thinkers — December 21, 2010

More from Denmark

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

In our tireless attempts at self-promotion, here is my latest appearance on Danish radio. I think this actually works as opposed to the last time.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A black and white image of a bunch of spheres, symbolizing the multiverse concept discussed by scientists.

Starts With A Bang

How logic and reasoning can fail as scientific tools

In logic, ‘reductio ad absurdum’ shows how flawed arguments fall apart. Our absurd Universe, however, often defies our intuitive reasoning.

Starts With A Bang

Why “incompleteness” matters in theoretical physics

Physicists just can’t leave an incomplete theory alone; they try to repair it. When nature is kind, it can lead to a major breakthrough.

Wooden pews in a church provide a traditional seating option for parishioners.

Thinking

Thinking about God may encourage risk taking

Here’s how belief in a higher power can act like a psychological safety net.

An abstract composite image depicting where life began with mountainous terrain, chemical structures, and a monochrome inset of a cloudy sky.

Starts With A Bang

What was it like when life first sprang forth on Earth?

Although early Earth was a molten hellscape, once it cooled, life arose almost immediately. That original chain of life remains unbroken.

An AI-generated illustration of a man sitting at a desk, accompanied by thought-provoking poetry.

Thinking

Can AI write authentic poetry?

Cognitive psychologist and poet Keith Holyoak explores whether artificial intelligence could ever achieve poetic authenticity.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Yemeni Government’s Statement

It has been a long day for Yemen watchers, but before I sign off for the evening I wanted to post the important paragraph from a statement from Yemen’s embassy […]