Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Listen to this re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes. Support the show
Dec 2025
97 - The Schrödinger Equation: The Heart of Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics is full of surprises. But somehow, the theory is captured almost entirely in a single equation. Today we explore the Schrödinger equation: how it works, what it says about nature, and why it revolutionized physics.For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anythi ... Show More
29m 52s
Mar 2024
Do We Have Free Will? with Robert Sapolsky
<p>Is there a quantum reason we could have free will? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the concept of free will and predetermination with neuroscientist, biologist, and author of <i>Determined: The Science of Life Without Free Will</i>, Robert Sapolsky. </p><p> ... Show More
53m 30s
Sep 2022
Cosmic Queries – The Biggest Ideas in the Universe with Sean Carroll
<p>How does physics impact our free will? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic Negin Farsad discuss quantum mechanics, parallel universes, and the theory of everything with theoretical physicist and author of <i>The Biggest Ideas in the Universe</i>, Sean Carroll. </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ ... Show More
49m 24s
Aug 2021
Ep. 277: Hegel on Our Understanding of Physics (Part One)
On The Phenomenology of Spirit, ch. 3, "Force and the Understanding." What is "force" as physics describes it? And scientific law? Do these terms denote objects in the world, or models for how we describe the world? Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if ... Show More
53m 53s
Jun 2025
The musical structure of the universe
If matter is a result of vibration, what causes the vibration? Our friends at The Gray Area ask, “Is the universe behaving like an instrument?” Guest: Stephon Alexander, theoretical physicist at Brown University For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For ... Show More
53m 2s
Sep 2024
Cosmic Queries – In a Zeptosecond
<p>Can nuclear fusion become the ultimate renewable energy source? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice answer fan questions about transporters, the smallest unit of time, expansion, and other ideas that push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.</p><p>NOTE: ... Show More
45m 3s