Stephon Alexander: The Autodidactic Universe Learns Its Own Laws

Stephon Alexander joins Curt to explore the Autodidactic Universe, matrix models versus string theory, and Chern‑Simons gravity, while debating evolutionary cosmology, anomalies, and practical advice for self‑studying advanced physics.0:00 Introduction4:46 BTS banter and framing the conversation6:05 The Autodidactic Universe18:54 BMN vs BFSS (type IIA String Theory)26:45 Lee Smolin's evolutionary model of the universe as black hole spawn29:06 Matrix models linked to particles rather than laws30:36 Explaining D‑branes and their dimensionality36:02 When watching TOE, it's okay to be confused36:55 Chern‑Simons Gravity49:03 Anomaly Cancellations51:43 Klein Gordon equation and renormalization55:55 What is a Theory of Everything? Conditions?59:15 Story about Curt's brother's "genius"1:02:40 Doubting your own mathematical abilities1:06:02 Advice for learners in 20s‑40s studying String Theory1:10:24 Brian Keating is no friend to Stephon (kidding)1:11:08 How does learning math / physics change with age?1:15:14 Anomalies and purposeful mistakes leading to insights1:18:02 No Go theorems (and AdS / CFT correspondence)1:23:26 Why does the Graviton have Spin 2?1:25:41 Gems in Geometric Unity1:29:12 Opinion on Stephen Wolfram's theory / project1:31:05 Future plans for TOE: Geometric Algebra and Categorical UnificationSPONSORS:- Curiosity Stream: 25% off via https://curiositystream.thld.co/TOE- Brilliant: 20% off via https://brilliant.org/TOERESOURCES:- YouTube link: https://youtu.be/4xlXUEEnZ6s- Merch (until end of Oct 2021): https://tinyurl.com/TOEmerch- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal- Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE- PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/paypalTOE- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt- Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/better-left-unsaid-with-curt-jaimungal/id1521758802- Pandora: https://pdora.co/33b9lfP- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e- Subreddit r/TheoriesOfEverything: https://reddit.com/r/theoriesofeverything- Algo's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9IfRw1QaTglRoX0sN11AQQ- Algo website: https://www.algo.com/- Fear of a Black Universe: https://amzn.to/3rxGFcj- The Jazz of Physics: https://amzn.to/3qR7KIx- Brian Keating's podcast with Stephon Alexander: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehEbrD42U_g- Better Left Unsaid documentary: http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science. SPONSOR: I personally subscribe to The Economist. TOE listeners get 35% off the annual subscription. No other podcast has this! https://economist.com/TOE FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices