[Unedited] Marilynne Robinson and Marcelo Gleiser with Krista Tippett

Unified Theories

Marcelo Gleiser critiques the pursuit of a unified theory in science, arguing that it is fundamentally flawed. He explains that the idea of a "theory of everything" assumes we can measure and know all aspects of nature, which is impossible due to our limited tools and understanding 1. Marilynne Robinson echoes this sentiment, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of scientific discovery and the premature impulse to seek a unifying theory 2. She remarks, "If you can't even define what matter is, how in the world can you make a generalization about the essence of things?" 2.

   

Philosophy & Science

The conversation also touches on the philosophical parallels between science and religion. Marcelo Gleiser references Einstein's notion that science and religion are intertwined, both driven by a "cosmic religious feeling" and a devotion to the mysterious 3. Marilynne Robinson critiques the scientific tendency to "explain" rather than "describe," emphasizing the importance of humility in scientific discourse 4. She states, "You can describe the mechanism of the particular clock... but that does not mean that description stands in the place of explanation" 4.