Category: science & society
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Dialogue with Raja Yehia about the quantum energy initiative
The quantum energy initiative (QEI) is a recently launched initiative that wants to raise awareness about the energy consumption of quantum technologies and aims at making them more efficient and sustainable. However, I have been always skeptical about its mission and integrity. So, to get a clear picture, I thought it is best to talk…
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One year of online presence
About a year ago I started this blog and created a Twitter account and Linkedin profile. Now, it’s time for a little recap.
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Dualism vs. Animism and Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
Dualistic perspectives are deeply ingrained into our modern society and at the root of our reckless exploitation and destruction of planet earth, something which would be unthinkable within an animistic worldview. I here make the point that the contrast between dualism and animism is mirrored, to an almost frightening precision, in the interpretations of quantum…
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Pancakes for physicists
Even though brain activity burns around 20% of the calories in your body, the need for good food is often neglected among physicists. This results in pale creatures loitering in front of blackboards mumbling stuff that not even their peers can understand. Here is your way out with the most delicious and healthy pancakes you…
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Bonobo Science
The group dynamics of bonobos, a species of apes that is genetically one of our closest relatives, is predominantly cooperative and peaceful. The reason for this behavior can be explained by the abundance of resources and the relative smallness of the bonobo groups. These preconditions lead to the forming of strong social bonds and a…
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Dialogue with Matteo Polettini about the second law
The second law of thermodynamics is one of the bedrocks of science. It sticks out due to its defeatism, it has become an integral part of pop culture, economics and politics, and it is constantly mystified because “no one really knows what entropy really is” (J. von Neumann). In this dialogue physicists Matteo Polettini and…
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Meeting “Meeting the Universe Halfway” Halfway
Karen Barad’s monumental book “Meeting the Universe Halfway” (subtitle: “Quantum physics and the entanglement of matter and meaning”, Duke University Press, 2007) currently receives more than 2700 citations per year (according to google scholar). That’s more than all my publications have received altogether over the years. Reason enough to read the book that promises a…
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Back to the Ivory Tower
The picture of the truth-seeking scientists sitting alone in their ivory towers is often used negatively. Instead, science is supposed to drive society forward, to create impact, provide solutions, and to be the basis of growth and prosperity. I argue that this expectation is detrimental for science and society. It creates a toxic scientific system…