Some people like to claim that psychology is just applied biology, which is just applied chemistry, which is just applied physics, and so on. Is there any truth to this? Or is it just our egos getting the better of us? For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse 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
Apr 2021
Is a ton of psychology just ... wrong?
A decade ago, psychologists realized much of their science was fatally flawed, calling untold numbers of studies into question. Now, some young psychologists are trying to rebuild the foundations of their field. Can they succeed?
For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
It’s ... Show More
29m 42s
Nov 2021
Mind readers
Will scientists ever fully understand the human brain? In their quest for knowledge, they’ve tried knives, magnets, computers, blood, and even a good metaphor.
For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics ... Show More
32m 10s
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
May 2025
Can we really break physics?
"Why does stuff happen? Can we predict it -- and if so, what do these predictions tell us?" Loosely described, the concept of "physics" is the First Science of human civilization. In tonight's episode, Ben and Matt explore recent discoveries that may well upend humanity's underst ... Show More
1h 8m