Dr Rebecca Goldstein and Prof Peter Atkins on science and philosophy, and other Q&As

In this Q&A session for Rebecca Goldstein's lectureon her new book, Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go Away, she faces off against chemist Peter Atkins and other questioners on age-old discussions about the roles of science and traditional philosophy. Professor Atkins maintains that philosophy doesn't tell us anything useful which science cannot; Dr Goldstein argues that the two must always work together.

Other questioners include humanist philosopher Dr Brendan Larvor and Young Humanists coordinator Alice Fuller.

[BANKO]

At 32:35, she argues that it doesn't help that some of our most prominent scientists attack philosophy. Laurence Krauss is one of the people that comes to mind who thinks, very arrogantly, that as "explanations" from physics develop, the less we need philosophy. As a physicist, I have come to realize that the exact opposite is true. Physics is nothing without philosophy. I want to hear more from Goldstein.

[careneh]

And why wouldn't science be able to answer the question whether justice matters? 2:19 It seems to me that the only way to answer this question is using the scientific method. 

[sVZ]

She seems to rant a fair bit, I think there are better mascots for philosophy.

[HumanistsUK]

Dr Rebecca Goldstein takes questions about philosophy from an audience of humanists, including Professor Peter Atkins

[nontheistdavid]

Geez, I wish I could meet a female as well spoken and intelligent as Rebecca. I pretty much agree with everything she stated. I consider myself an empirical realist /Transcendental Idealist.

The idea morality is anchored in a god is an abhorrent idea. One of the most pernicious ideas created by humanity.

[deeliciousplum]

Wonderful Q&A. I love the playfulness between philosopher Rebecca Goldstein and Dr. Peter Atkins.

[tamsinmccormick]

The best Philosophy extends from FACT . As we update out factual database our Philosophy will be tweaked . Theology has no place within Philosophy as it is not verifiable FACT just myth or as I like to call it primitive clap-trap. Science is the heart of what we are, and  Philosophy is linked to what we know and what we are. Science is what we truly know that is proved to be true.

[unworthy_outcast]

Unbelievable! Such vain rantings of such a brilliant mind.