Discourse: Physics and philosophy: On the equality of all things (Theatre)

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Do not be afraid of our vast ignorance. Recognise it.

What do we really know about the world? Acclaimed physicist Carlo Rovelli guides us through the speculative depths of modern physics to explore what our knowledge tells us about the strangeness of reality. Be unafraid to test its limits and prepare to lose your moorings, as he suggests there may be no final foundation to life. We live in a universe where electrons and minds, stones and laws, judgements and galaxies are notions that illuminate each other, and reality is better understood as a set of reflections, revealing the equality of all things.

Recalling the ancient story of the philosopher who dreamt that he was a butterfly and, on waking, wonders if it wasn’t the butterfly who had dreamt it was the philosopher, Rovelli invites us to recognise that our knowledge is coherent but also uncertain and circular. There may be no foundations, no hierarchies, but we, who are woven together by thoughts and desires, emotions and dreams, are at one with all things in the world. We are, in a deep sense, at home.

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Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

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The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.

Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.

Event image by NASA James Webb Telescope