2024-09-04
1 小时 11 分钟Register for our LA Listener Meetup Philip Ball is an award-winning science writer who has penned over 30 books on a dizzying variety of subjects. Holding degrees in chemistry from Oxford and physics from the University of Bristol, Ball's multidisciplinary background underpins his versatility. As a former editor at Nature for two decades and a regular contributor to a range of publications and broadcast outlets, Ball's work exemplifies the rare combination of scientific depth and accessibility, cementing his reputation as a premier science communicator. Tyler and Philip discuss how well scientists have stood up to power historically, the problematic pressures scientists feel within academia today, artificial wombs and the fertility crisis, the price of invisibility, the terrifying nature of outer space and Gothic cathedrals, the role Christianity played in the Scientific Revolution, what current myths may stick around forever, whether cells can be thought of as doing computation, the limitations of The Selfish Gene, whether the free energy principle can be usefully applied, the problem of microplastics gathering in testicles and other places, progress in science, his favorite science fiction, how to follow in his footsteps, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded May 22nd, 2024. Other ways to connect Follow us on X and Instagram Follow Tyler on X Follow Philip on X Sign up for our newsletter Join our Discord Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here.
Hey listeners, this is Dallas, one of the producers of conversations with Tyler.
We'll be hosting a listener meetup in.
Los Angeles on October 16 from six.
To 08:00 p.m.
at the home of.
A fellow CWT listener.
This time will be yours to ask Tyler any questions during our Q and A, mingle with other CWT fans and chat with me and other members of the team.
If you'd like to attend, please register via the link at the top of the show.
Notes, guests and plus ones are always welcome.
Just have them register at the link.
Were really looking forward to seeing you there.
Now onto the show.
Conversations with Tyler is produced by the Mercatus center at George Mason University, bridging the gap between academic ideas and real world problems.
Learn more@mercatus.org dot for a full transcript of every conversation, enhanced with helpful links, visit conversationswithtyler.com.
hello, everyone, and welcome back to conversations with Tyler.
Today I'll be chatting with Philip Ball.
I think of Philip this way.
I mean, we've had over 200 guests conversations with Tyler, and I think three of them so far have shown they are able to answer any question I might plausibly throw their way.
Philip, I believe, is number four.
He is a scientist with degrees in chemistry and physics.