JRE #310 – Neil Degrasse Tyson

1/9/2013

This podcast is a fascinating conversation between Joe Rogan and Neil deGrasse Tyson, exploring a wide range of topics from the universe’s mysteries to the human fascination with conspiracy theories. The deep underlying theme throughout the podcast is the importance of critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the need to be wary of misinformation and bias.

Topics and Summaries:

1. **The Power of Critical Thinking and Skepticism:**

• Tyson emphasizes the importance of questioning information and not blindly accepting claims without proper investigation.
• He highlights the dangers of relying on authority figures alone, instead encouraging people to develop their own critical thinking skills.
• Rogan and Tyson discuss the prevalence of conspiracy theories and how people can be susceptible to them, particularly when they lack scientific literacy.
• They advocate for a more evidence-based approach to understanding the world, emphasizing the need to be skeptical of claims that lack scientific backing.

2. **The Moon Landing Conspiracy Theory:**

• Rogan shares his initial skepticism about the moon landing, fueled by a friend’s conviction that it was a hoax.
• Tyson systematically dismantles the popular conspiracy theories surrounding the moon landing, using photographic evidence, physics, and the sheer logistics of faking such a massive event.
• He highlights the importance of understanding basic photography, the properties of light, and the challenges of creating a convincing hoax on the scale of the moon landing.
• The discussion explores the psychological reasons why people are drawn to conspiracy theories, such as the desire to feel special and to uncover hidden truths, even when the evidence contradicts those beliefs.

3. **The Scientific and Political Reasons for Stopping Manned Space Exploration:**

• Tyson asserts that the primary motivation for the Apollo missions was the Cold War, a desire to beat the Soviet Union to the moon.
• He explains that once the Soviets dropped out of the race, the political will and funding for manned space exploration dwindled.
• Tyson argues that the public’s perception of the Apollo program as a pure exploration mission is a romanticized view, overlooking the competitive geopolitical context.
• He suggests that the future of manned space exploration hinges on finding new economic or political motivations, such as the potential for resource exploitation or a new space race with China.

4. **The Potential for Resource Exploitation in Space:**

• Tyson discusses the growing field of space resources, specifically targeting asteroids as potential sources of valuable minerals and rare earth metals.
• He highlights the potential economic benefits of mining asteroids, as they can contain vast quantities of resources that are scarce on Earth.
• The discussion explores the legal implications of resource ownership in space, which is still an evolving area of law.
• Tyson predicts that the drive for economic gain and the potential for technological advancement will likely drive the future of space exploration.

5. **The Reality of Supervolcanoes and their Impact on Earth:**

• Tyson emphasizes the real dangers posed by supervolcanoes, such as the Yellowstone Caldera, which could have devastating impacts on the planet.
• He explains the frequency of earthquakes, particularly the smaller ones that are often ignored but can still cause damage.
• He contrasts the public’s fascination with asteroid impacts with the potential threat of supervolcanoes, suggesting that our focus should be on addressing the real and present dangers.
• Tyson highlights the importance of being aware of the ongoing geological processes that shape our planet and how they can influence our future.

6. **The Search for Life beyond Earth:**

• Tyson discusses the discovery of life forms that thrive in extreme environments on Earth, challenging the traditional notion of what constitutes a habitable planet.
• He suggests that the search for life beyond Earth should be expanded to include rogue planets, which are not tied to a star system but could still harbor life.
• Tyson explains how the discovery of microbial life on Mars could have significant implications for our understanding of the origins of life on Earth.
• He emphasizes the importance of broadening our perspective on what constitutes a habitable environment and how life might evolve in other parts of the universe.

7. **The Multiverse Theory and the Limits of Human Understanding:**

• Tyson explores the concept of the multiverse, a theoretical framework that suggests there could be an infinite number of universes, each with different physical laws.
• He discusses the philosophical implications of the multiverse, highlighting the idea that our universe might be just one of many, and that there could be other forms of life and consciousness elsewhere.
• The discussion delves into the limits of human understanding, particularly when it comes to concepts such as the origin of the universe and the possibility of other dimensions.
• Tyson acknowledges the scientific unknowns and encourages continued exploration and investigation of these profound questions.

8. **The Limits of Human Senses and the Power of Scientific Tools:**

• Tyson explains that our senses are limited and can be fooled, particularly at the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
• He discusses the importance of scientific tools, such as microscopes and telescopes, which have extended our senses and revealed previously unknown aspects of the universe.
• He argues that our reliance on our senses alone can limit our understanding, and that scientific tools are essential for expanding our knowledge.
• Tyson emphasizes the ongoing evolution of scientific tools and methods, which continue to push the boundaries of our understanding.

9. **The Computer Simulation Theory and the Singularity:**

• Rogan and Tyson discuss the computer simulation theory, which proposes that our reality could be a computer simulation.
• They explore the concept of the singularity, a hypothetical point in the future where technological advancements become so rapid and profound that they become unpredictable and uncontrollable.
• Tyson expresses skepticism about the computer simulation theory, but acknowledges the possibility that it could be a valid scientific hypothesis.
• The discussion delves into the implications of such a theory, particularly the question of free will and the nature of consciousness in a simulated reality.

10. **The Importance of Environmental Responsibility and Innovation:**

• Tyson argues that if we have the technological capability to terraform Mars, we should prioritize fixing the problems on Earth, such as climate change and pollution.
• He emphasizes the rapid pace of technological advancement and the potential for innovation to address environmental challenges.
• He suggests that a capitalist free market system, driven by profits and innovation, can be a powerful force for environmental change.
• Tyson expresses optimism about human ingenuity and our ability to solve environmental problems, but acknowledges the urgency of addressing these issues before they become irreversible.

11. **Global Warming and the Redrawing of the Map:**

• Tyson acknowledges the reality of global warming and its impact on the planet.
• He suggests that the warming climate will likely lead to a redistribution of arable land and changes in weather patterns.
• He emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes, particularly in terms of food production and population distribution.
• Tyson acknowledges the challenges of addressing global warming, but remains optimistic that human ingenuity will find solutions to these problems.

12. **The Role of Humor and Entertainment in Communicating Science:**

• Tyson acknowledges the importance of humor and entertainment in making science accessible to a wider audience.
• He discusses the use of analogies and relatable examples to simplify complex scientific concepts.
• Tyson embraces his role as a science communicator, seeking to engage and inspire audiences through entertaining and accessible presentations.
• He highlights the power of storytelling and humor to make science more engaging and relatable for a diverse audience.

13. **The Role of Public Institutions in Fostering Scientific Exploration:**

• Tyson discusses the role of public institutions, such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium, in promoting science education and exploration.
• He emphasizes the importance of funding for scientific research and the need to inspire the next generation of scientists.
• Tyson discusses the challenges of communicating science to the public, particularly in an age of misinformation and distrust of experts.
• He highlights the role of science communicators in bridging the gap between science and society, making science more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

14. **The Future of Cosmos and the Power of Storytelling:**

• Tyson discusses his involvement in the upcoming reboot of Cosmos, a landmark science series that seeks to inspire and educate viewers about the universe.
• He shares his passion for storytelling and its power to engage and inspire audiences.
• Tyson discusses the importance of communicating complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging way.
• He expresses his hope that the new Cosmos will reach a broad audience and inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I tweeted recently that if you’re really successful at bullshitting, it means you don’t hang around enough people who are smarter than you.” – Tyson highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with intellectually stimulating individuals to challenge your own biases.
• “What a compliment it is of our emerging culture, technological culture that they’re members of of our society. that are so impressed with what we achieved, that they can’t believe it.” – Tyson views the moon landing conspiracy theory as a testament to the awe-inspiring nature of human achievement.
• “The only the only way you can keep a secret between two people is if one of them is dead.” – This quote humorously underscores the difficulty of keeping a secret, particularly a tantalizing one, for extended periods.
• “You can’t put you know, the sun for all intents and purposes in a photograph is at infinity — Mhmm. — which means all shadows are parallel.” – Tyson provides a scientific explanation for how shadows can be used to debunk certain moon landing conspiracy theories.
• “The universe is far more wondrous than anything we can imagine.” – Tyson inspires listeners with his reminder that the universe is filled with awe-inspiring mysteries and wonders yet to be discovered.