The Biggest Ideas in the Universe | 20. Entropy and Information

The Biggest Ideas in the Universe is a series of videos where I talk informally about some of the fundamental concepts that help us understand our natural world. Exceedingly casual, not overly polished, and meant for absolutely everybody.

This is Idea #20, "Entropy and Information." The increase of entropy over time is responsible for the difference between past and future, and is thus in a very real sense the most important thing in the universe. We talk about how this works and what it has to do with the concept of information.

#science #physics #ideas #universe #learning #cosmology #philosophy #entropy #information

[Klostream]

Soooo, entropy is a measure of our ignorance, and entropy always increases.... that explains a few things!

[MoshkitaTheCat]

You, Dr. Carroll, are my favorite teacher of all times. Thank you.

[SuperFredAZ]

I am a graduate electrical engineer, and retired a few years ago. I wish my instructors were half as good a you. It is nice to come back to physics after so many years.

[BMerker]

Incredibly helpful to have the full four "versions" of entropy outlined like this. Brilliant pedagogy, much appreciated!

[salvatronprime]

Thank you Sean for these videos, they are the absolute best and most comprehensible series of science lectures I have ever seen. All for free! You are a genius and a gentleman, kind sir.

[rickharold]

Awesome as always !
I finally made through the 40 (I include QA as they are like their own lesson honestly) I love it.
With my math and CS background I understood 70% of the videos! Unfortunately when later trying to explain to my teen kids I remember 20%. But..I love 100% of the videos. With infinite time I’d rewatch them again. Thanks for the video series.

[p_square]

Your explanations are on the next level!!!

[JustOneAsbesto]

Well, we always get to entropy eventually.

[rhondagoodloe]

Sean, thanks for making this quality of information available to anyone (no prerequisites or tuition required).

[Jaggerbush]

This is like a free tutor session with Sean - and for free. It doesn’t get better than this. And I’m a musician who loves this stuff as a hobby.

[kevinegan]

There is just nothing anywhere nearly as good anywhere on the Internet on advanced physics concepts explained in understandable vocabulary without obscuring with impenetrable mathematics. Fantastic work Professor Carroll.

[joxterjones]

I'd just like to add my personal thanks for your kindness and generosity in putting together this lecture series for all of us to learn and enjoy. This particular lecture is a masterpiece and weaves together many profound ideas in a clear and comprehensible way - the mark of a great teacher.

[halfalligator]

I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate this stuff. Not only is it interesting but it distracts me from lockdown blues over here in Melbourne. You're a great teacher with a knack for reducing things down for us plebs. This series and your podcast (which I listen to on my walks) inspire and motivate me to get on with my own projects. While many of your audience will never be scientists, what you're doing ensures our children will grow up in scientifically literate households - that's a very valuable contribution to the world if you ask me.

[SkorjOlafsen]

Congrats on passing 100k subscribers. Good reach for a physics lecture series!

[sandrasandra]

A great new video, thank you, dr. Sean! You are building democracy, and a better world, because culture and science are the ground to make the world a fairer, a better, a safer place. Many skilled people can't afford expensive experience of study. You really help, sharing for free your top-level knowledge in a systematic way. You great scientist and also great man!

[kevinmccarthy]

That fact that no one understands entropy (or information for that matter) has allowed creationists to get away with a lot of shenanigans (Shannonigans?) about information and entropy with biologists (who don't generally study either).

In fact, that's why I watched this video was to more understand both in order to counter creationist claims.

Thanks!

[astral]

This is the best physics series for non-physics people: it connects various topics together and provides clear big pictures. Thank you, sir!

[dalefvictor]

Thank you for this and other lectures. I have enjoyed every one and have renewed my interest in Physics and Mathematics. I am also the person who has been purchasing your books.

[dmback]

I knew basically all of this already, but now it feels that I know it to a level I did not before. You are fantastic, Sean.

[TehPwnerer]

Sean Carroll thank you for everything you have done.