Coding the Cosmos: Does Reality Emerge From Simple Computations?

Stephen Wolfram joins Brian Greene to explore whether the ultimate theory of the universe might emerge from a computationally simple framework.

This program is part of the Big Ideas series, supported by the John Templeton Foundation.

Participant:
Stephen Wolfram

Moderator:
Brian Greene

00:00 - Brian Greene Introduction
03:55 - Welcome Stephen Wolfram
07:59 - How powerful are Wolfram's tools?
13:30 - What is it like to be the weather?
19:32 - Computationally bounded observers like us
29:24 - Are all possible mathematical outcome out there somewhere?
33:15 - Where is the Wolfram software at today?
50:30 - Heisenberg, Bohr, and Einstein thought space was discreet
01:00:25 - When we look back at Einstein's field equations it become obvious
01:13:41 - Is the an early primordial node in the Ruliad?
01:22:24 - Is the universe only three dimensional for observer like us?
01:29:45 - How big is the elementary length?
01:39:50 - What happens to black holes in the model?
01:46:43 - Is it Everett's and the many worlds approach to Quantum Mechanics?
01:56:08 - How do you think about GD6 in the multi way graph?
02:04:22 - How does time dilation work in Wolfram's models?
02:10:49 - What is the ultimate goal?
02:22:00 - The bridge to string theory

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[garypuckettmuse]

I love that Brian Greene never lets go of the skepticism that is absolutely necessary in science and these programs are not the typical "love fests" of cross-pollinating promotion so often seen on the internet. He's really respectful of his guests but he doesn't shy away from asking the harder questions either. And, wow, he really does his homework when you think about the variety of topics he presents and how engaged, informed and probing he always is. Mad respect for his work ethic and his respect for guests *and* audiences. 100 thousand views in 8 days = human life affirming!

[zbig]

Mr Green is as good an interviewer as he is a writer. His sharp vigilance made this a delight to follow. Merci à vous !

[bariizlam]

Initially I misunderstood wolfram. I believe now that he is an absolute genius and is doing some ground breaking physics. I hope some day he gets the recognition he truly deserves. He is simply brilliant

[ililnine]

By far the best Wolfram talk I've heard. Kudos to Brian for asking the right questions.

[richardlonsdale]

By far the most informative discussion of Wolfram's fundamental physics ideas that I have seen. Many thanks to Brian Greene for asking really useful questions, and staying friendly and constructive throughout. Great job.

[TEKRific]

Even if Wolfram's physics' project doesn't pan out, we can still appreciate the tools, the new conceptual ideas and the interesting computations and the entire framework of discrete physics that he and his colleagues have developed. Simply astonishing work!

[mcengizaydin]

Two scientists I was following separately are now in an deep intellectual conversation. This is eye opening as expected. I can’t help seeing in Brian’s eyes being positively surprised and excited to hearing new conceptual framework.

[.-]

This discussion is a timeless classic that will be accessed hundreds of years in the future, if only Youtube were around in 1905. Amazing and so rich in creative ideas that I just watch it over and over again, and discover more and more about the depth of topics covered, wonderful insights.

[penguinista]

Both participants in this conversation did an excellent job communicating really tough concepts. It was a pleasure to watch, even besides all the fantastic information.
Bravo!

[DanaDetterich]

I know this is a sappy comment, but my dad loved Mathematica. He was an electrical engineer who always fed my interest in science. He’s passed away and this interview made me feel like he was waving to me from the great beyond. Thanks Mr. G, I can put a face to the name of Mr. Wolfram!

[JayToGo]

I didn't know about the works of Stephen Wolfram. He presents an intriguing way to see nature which might have a great future. Thank you, Brian Greene.

[distantlore]

This was not the video to watch while trying to sleep.

However, it is one of the best discussions I have watched in quite a while. Thank you for sharing.

[Zurround]

I slept through most of this. its like a "lullaby" for adults. So soothing to hear 2 scientists have a totally esoteric discussion that I will never understand.

[tux]

I'm humbled to listen to these two men converse. They may, or may not, arrive at the discoveries they seek, but there is no doubt they're both honest, earnest, and incredibly intelligent.

[harogaston]

This was AMAZING!!! I've waiting for this level of discussion of Stephen's project because it really seems that it is at least inspiring and rigorous enough to shine some broader light on it than it has received. Of course it doesn't predict any constants of nature nor can it be used to predict accurately any aspect of reality but THAT is the size of the en devour he has taken. It is like going from quantum mechanics to human beings or real life objects, ITS HARD. He and his team are trying to do that but from an abstract formalism of space time and reality to particles or quantum physics. I'm glad this conversation happened and I hope that it might get more people interested.

[tyjohnson]

I love how Stephen smiles when he gets asked a really good question. It's this great little nod, "ah, finally a good question! You're quite sharp!"

[marklong]

Brian, you are clearly the best science communicator, as if there was any doubt. I always found it difficult to listen to Stephen Wolfram, up until now.. Thanks Brian!!

[tommasobrindani]

It takes guts to do what Wolfram and his team are doing! An attempt at reinterpretation of the fundamental theory of physics with the aim of unifying different fields of study. I've been hooked on his ideas since his Ted talk a while back and I'm so happy this live discussion was released by Brian Greene! I wish it lasted twice as long and covered all the topics that Brian mentioned!

PS:
I'm also very appreciative of the fact that both Wolfram and Greene managed to explain themselves in ways that common folk like me could attempt to understand.

[Chilembwe]

This was such a great conversation. I’m so glad I got a chance to hear it

[ericgraham]

Man, I know I can’t possibly understand the full scope of this, but it’s the best talk I’ve ever heard about wolframs work and it’s hard not to be drawn in by it. There is a real profoundness to what he’s touching on. I love it.