Lee Smolin, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Showings

Mike Lazaridis Theatre of Ideas Wed, Apr 17, 2019 7:00 PM

Description

PI Public Lecture Series:

Title: Einstein’s Unfinished Revolution

 
Abstract:

Quantum physics is the golden child of modern science. It is the basis of our understanding of atoms, radiation, and so much else - from elementary particles and basic forces to the behaviour of materials. But for a century it has also been the problem child of science: it has been plagued by intense disagreements among its inventors, strange paradoxes, and implications that seem like the stuff of fantasy. Whether it’s Schrödinger’s cat - a creature that is simultaneously dead and alive - or a belief that the world does not exist independently of our observations of it, quantum theory challenges our fundamental assumptions about reality.

On April 17, in a special webcast talk based on his latest book, Einstein’s Unfinished Revolution, Lee Smolin will argue that the problems that have bedeviled quantum physics since its inception are unsolved and unsolvable for the simple reason that the theory is incomplete. There is more to quantum physics waiting to be discovered. Smolin will take the audience on a journey through the basics of quantum physics, introducing the stories of the experiments and figures that have transformed our understanding of the universe.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Attendance to the lecture is free, but advance tickets are required. Due to the overwhelming response to past lectures, tickets will be honoured until 6:45 pm only. If you have not arrived by 6:45 pm your reservation may be filled by guests in our waiting line, and you may be asked to join the end of the waiting line.


Doors open at 5:30 pm

Pre-Lecture Activities (tickets not required):

Black Hole Bistro - dinner and/or drinks:

RESERVATIONS ARE required for food service in the Black Hole Bistro and can be made at bistro@pitp.ca. Dinner reservations will be scheduled between 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm for those with tickets and later for those watching the lecture in the Bistro.

Ask a Scientist?

Perimeter scientists will be on hand to answer physics questions from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

WAITING LINE EXPERIENCE:
There will be a waiting line for last minute cancelled (or ‘no show’) seats on the night of the lecture. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Come to Perimeter and pick-up a waiting line chit at the Waiting Line sign and then participate in pre-lecture activities - no need to wait in line. An announcement will be made in the Bistro at 6:45 pm if theatre seats are available. Note: you must arrive in person to be part of the waiting line and be in the Bistro when the waiting line announcement is made.

NO DISAPPOINTMENTS:
Everyone who comes to Perimeter will be able to participate in the lecture. The public lecture will be shown simultaneously on closed circuit television in the quiet of the Time Room or the licensed comfort of the Black Hole Bistro for any members of the waiting line who are not able to get a theatre seat.

LIVE WEBCAST ONLINE:

For most lectures the on-demand playback will be online within 24 hours after the live event. Check our YouTube page for the playbacks.