HS 001: What is Science? Also Special Relativity

High Science

Intro Here it is! The inaugural episode of High Science: the podcast where we explore the mysteries of the universe, one joint at a time. As we figure out this whole recording business, we explore special relativity and the philosophy of science. The show notes for this episode and all episodes forward will provide you with a brief summary of our conversations. They will also give you some links to follow if you would like to read up on these ideas further. Any video, web-comic, book, etc will also be linked if it was mentioned in the episode. Special Relativity We start by exploring the mind-bending theory of special relativity. Galilean Relativity is first established (Driving 10 mph, throw a ball at 5 mph, relative to the ground the ball moves at 15 mph) along with frames of reference. The constant speed of light is discussed along with the implications of a moving object emitting light. It's worth taking a step back and noting that our hosts are getting ripped while slugging through these heady concepts so hilarity ensues. The interconnectedness of space and time is explored along with length contraction and time dilation. This was our very first topic so it may be revisited in the future for a more complete exploration. Scientists Mentioned: James Clerk Maxwell, Albert Einstein Resources: Special Relativity - Crash Course Physics How Special Relativity Works - How Stuff Works Science What is Science? What better way to begin a science podcast than talking about science itself? This topic begins at 14:15 and the discussion begins with why we do science and transitions into how we do science. Scientific scrutiny is especially focused on using atomic theory and the Ancient Greeks to solidify the idea. The importance of evidence and empirical investigation is highlighted along with the uncertain and conditional nature of science. Issues with the presentation of science in school is touched upon as well. The conversation is expanded into determining where science sits as an idea in the greater web of philosophy. Some metaphysical issues with empiricism are explored through a few examples - most notable of which being Plato's allegory of the cave. Philosophers Mentioned: Plato, Democritus (indirectly) Resources: Philosophy of Science, Origins, and Emergence - The Scientific Skeptic Densely Packed Hitlers - Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal A Candle in the Dark - High Science Blog Cargo Cult Science - High Science Blog