Carlo Rovelli presents Anaximander and the Nature of Science

The event at the British Library commences with a warm welcome by John, who oversees the event program. He introduces the evening's guests, Carla Ravelli, a theoretical physicist, and Tom Whipple, a science editor at The Times. John sets the stage for a discussion on Ravelli's newly published book, 'Anaximander,' and its focus on the nature of science. The event is also being watched online, and John invites future viewers to engage. He highlights the library's vast collection, referencing a recent exhibition on Alexander the Great and connecting it to the ancient lineage of thought that Anaximander represents. The evening will include a conversation, a Q&A session, and a book signing.

Carlo Ravelli recounts his academic journey, leading to his fascination with Anaximander, an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist. Ravelli's interest was piqued while teaching a class on the history of ancient science, where he delved into astronomy and the works of Ptolemy and Hipparchus. His research led him to Anaximander, who proposed that everything originates from 'apeiron,' an infinite, indeterminate substance. Ravelli's book attempts to reconstruct Anaximander's theories, which were considered revolutionary and laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry. Anaximander's ideas were a significant departure from the mythological explanations of natural phenomena prevalent in his time.

Ravelli delves into Anaximander's cosmological theories, highlighting his belief that the Earth floats in space, unsupported, which was a radical departure from the contemporary belief that the Earth was a flat surface. Anaximander's understanding of the Earth's position in the cosmos was a precursor to the modern scientific perspective. Ravelli also discusses Anaximander's naturalistic explanations for phenomena such as rain and earthquakes, which were a significant shift from the mythological explanations of his time. Anaximander's theories were influential in shaping the scientific method and the pursuit of knowledge independent of religious or mythological contexts.

Ravelli talks about the challenges of reconstructing Anaximander's work from fragmentary sources. Since no original writings of Anaximander exist, historians and philosophers rely on references in the works of later authors such as Aristotle. Ravelli emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and the process of knowledge transmission. He also discusses the translation of scientific concepts across cultures and languages, using the example of the mathematical function 'sine,' which has its roots in ancient Greek and made its way back to the Mediterranean through India and the Arabic world.

Ravelli reflects on the cumulative aspect of knowledge and the idea that science progresses through a series of incremental steps. He acknowledges that while there are periods of stagnation or loss of knowledge, the overall trajectory of scientific understanding moves forward. Ravelli also addresses the impact of historical events, such as the expansion of the Roman Empire and the Christianization of knowledge, on the continuity of scientific thought. He stresses that the development of science is not inevitable and that it requires a cultural and intellectual environment that supports inquiry and critical thinking.

Ravelli emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection between science, philosophy, and the humanities. He argues that a well-rounded education should not require a choice between studying Shakespeare or Maxwell, as both contribute to a deeper understanding of the world. Ravelli also discusses the influence of the arts on scientific thinking, drawing parallels between the development of quantum mechanics and the artistic movements of the early 20th century. He advocates for a broad educational foundation before specialization, fostering a society of individuals who are both knowledgeable and inquisitive.

Ravelli shares his personal experience with writing in different languages and the impact it has on his thought process. He discusses the differences between writing in Italian and English and how his writing style has evolved over time. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities of translating complex scientific ideas for a broader audience. Ravelli emphasizes the value of multilingualism and interdisciplinary communication in enriching the exchange of ideas.

Ravelli discusses the historical and ongoing relationship between philosophy and science. He acknowledges the separation of the two disciplines in contemporary education and culture but argues for their continued interconnection. Ravelli cites the influence of philosophical thought on the development of quantum mechanics and the importance of philosophical questions in advancing scientific understanding. He also addresses the misconceptions about the role of philosophy in science, advocating for a more nuanced and informed perspective on their relationship.

Ravelli contemplates the unique nature of Anaximander's scientific revolution and the singularity of its occurrence in history. He contrasts this with other human innovations such as writing or agriculture, which may have developed independently in different locations. Ravelli also discusses the potential for future scientific revolutions and the importance of remaining open to new ideas and perspectives in the pursuit of knowledge.

In the final segment, Ravelli expresses skepticism about the imminent discovery of a grand unified theory, suggesting that such optimism is out of touch with the current state of scientific understanding. He likens the pursuit of knowledge to Newton's metaphor of a child on the shore of an ocean of unknowns, implying that the journey of discovery is ongoing and that there is still much to learn about the universe.