Category Archives: Philosophical

Q: Why does math work so well at modeling the world around us?

Posted on November 16, 2009 by The Mathematician

Mathematician: One important thing to realize about mathematics is that it was primarily created for practical purposes. For example, numbers were likely used in the beginning to count possessions, multiplication for trade, and geometry to measure plots of land (or … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Mathematician, Math, Philosophical | 12 Comments

Q: Why is it that when you multiply a positive number with a negative number you get a negative number?

Posted on November 15, 2009 by The Mathematician

Mathematician: Consider what would happen if when we multiplied a positive number by a negative number we got a positive number. For example, suppose that 3*-5 = 15 rather than the usual 3*5 = 15. Now, if all the other … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Mathematician, Math, Philosophical | 6 Comments

Q: What is the best way to understand relativity theory? Why is it so counter intuitive?

Posted on November 15, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: 1) Pictures and math.  2) Work through and understand the “train struck by lightning” and “barn running pole vaulter” thought experiments, to better understand the relationship between space and time.  3) Pick up a book on modern physics and … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Philosophical, Physics, Relativity | 4 Comments

Q: If black holes are “rips” in the fabric of our universe, does it mean they lead to other universes? If so, then did time begin in that universe at the inception of the black hole? Could we be in a black hole?

Posted on November 8, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: Before answering your question, I’ll waste your time with two quick asides. First: The place where the “ripping” might occur would be at the singularity.  “Singularity” is actually a very general term that roughly means “something goes to infinity … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Astronomy, Philosophical, Physics, Relativity | 22 Comments

Q: What is the connection between quantum physics and consciousness?

Posted on November 3, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: No connection. The idea that consciousness, or observation, can affect the physical world around us is called the “Copenhagen Interpretation”.  According to the Copenhagen interpretation, as long as there is no consciousness observing a system (a system of particles, … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Philosophical, Quantum Theory | 45 Comments

Q: What is the meaning of life?

Posted on October 29, 2009 by The Mathematician

Mathematician: I’m glad you asked. The theory of evolution with natural selection sheds some light on the question of why humans exist, which in turn relates to the meaning of life. First of all, let me get this out of … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Mathematician, -- By the Physicist, Evolution, Philosophical | 17 Comments