Why physics and philosophy need each other

Physicist Carlo Rovelli urges conversations between physics and philosophy in a search for answers about the universe.

Once upon a time, much of what we call “science” was performed by people called “natural philosophers,” delving into mysteries of nature, physics, chemistry, and more. Physicist and author Carlo Rovelli argues that there’s still a great need for philosophy, and that the two fields can and should learn from each other in investigating reality.  

Rovelli joins Host Ira Flatow to talk about big ideas in physics, and his new book, “On The Equality of All Things: Lessons on Physics and Philosophy.”

Read an excerpt from “On The Equality of All Things.”

Guest:

Dr. Carlo Rovelli is an Italian theoretical physicist and the author of “On The Equality of Things.”

Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.

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