Conversations About Science with Theoretical Physicist Matt Strassler
[Inspiration strikes in odd ways and at strange times. Don’t ask me why I wrote this, because I’ve no idea. In any case I hope some of you enjoy it; and the science behind it is described here.] Quantum Theory claims: “All tales are told!” But gravity demurs; for Einstein’s bold Equations show that black … Read more
Following on Thursday’s post and yesterday’s about black holes, specifically about Hawking’s recent vague proposal that was so widely (but rather misleadingly) reported in the media, and about the back-story which explains why there’s so much confusion about black holes among scientists interested in quantum gravity, and why Hawking made his suggestion in the first … Read more
My post about what Hawking is and isn’t saying about black holes got a lot of readers, but also some criticism for having come across as too harsh on what Hawking has and hasn’t done. Looking back, I think there’s some merit in the criticism, so let me try to address it and flesh out … Read more
Media absurdity has reached new levels of darkness with the announcement that Stephen Hawking has a new theory in which black holes do not exist after all. No, he doesn’t. [Note added: click here for my new introduction to the black hole information paradox.] First, Hawking does not have a new theory… at least not … Read more