The author, physicist and BBC host discusses his book "The Joy of Science," a guide to living a more rational life, with author and Barnard College professor Janna Levin.
About the book:
Today’s world is unpredictable and full of contradictions, and navigating its complexities while trying to make the best decisions is far from easy. "The Joy of Science" presents eight lessons on how to unlock the clarity, empowerment, and joy of thinking and living a little more scientifically.
In this brief guide to leading a more rational life, acclaimed physicist Jim Al-Khalili invites readers to engage with the world as scientists have been trained to do. The scientific method has served humankind well in its quest to see things as they really are, and underpinning the scientific method are core principles that can help us all navigate modern life more confidently.
Jim Al-Khalili is distinguished professor of theoretical physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain’s best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including "The World According to Physics"; "Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed"; and "Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology."
Janna Levin is the Claire Tow Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. She is also the Chair and Founding Director of the Science Studios at Pioneer Works. A Guggenheim Fellow, Janna has contributed to an understanding of black holes, the cosmology of extra dimensions, and gravitational waves in the shape of spacetime. She is the presenter of the NOVA feature "Black Hole Apocalypse", aired on PBS—the first female presenter for NOVA in 35 years. Her previous books include "How the Universe Got Its Spots" and a novel, "A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines", which won the PEN/Bingham Prize. Her latest book, "Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space", is the inside story on the discovery of the century: the sound of spacetime ringing from the collision of two black holes over a billion years ago.
Co-presented by Labyrinth Books and co-sponsored by Princeton University’s Department of Physics.
