Ebook: Pushing the Boundaries : A Conversation with Freeman Dyson

This book is based on an in-depth conversation with mathematical physicist and writer Freeman Dyson (1923-2020), who was one of the most celebrated polymaths of our age. Freeman Dyson had his academic home for more than 60 years at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He has reshaped thinking in fields from math to astrophysics to medicine, while pondering nuclear-propelled spaceships designed to transport human colonists to distant planets. During this wide-ranging conversation Freeman Dyson looks back on his simultaneously transformative careers in theoretical physics, mathematics, biology, rocket ship design, nuclear disarmament and writing. This carefully-edited book includes a detailed introduction, questions for discussion at the end of each chapter and connections with other books in the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series.CHAPTERS:I. Debating Exceptionalism - Personal and professionalII. In Praise of Rebels - Moving science forwardsIII. Against Reductionism - Valuing the specificIV. Foundational Issues - From the anthropic principle to free willV. Current Mysteries - From dark energy to quasicrystalsVI. The Origin of Life - RNA as a parasiteVII. Space Travel - Manned vs. unmannedVIII. Science and Society - Climate change and moreIX. Religion - Another pathX. Final Thoughts - Neuroscience and Chinese string theoristsABOUT IDEAS ROADSHOW CONVERSATIONS:Ideas Roadshow Conversations present a wealth of candid insights from leading experts through a focused yet informal setting. Presented in an engaging conversational format, these books not only explore cutting-edge academic research, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. They are explicitly designed to provide a unique window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be experienced through standard lectures and textbooks. Howard Burton holds a PhD in theoretical physics and an MA in philosophy and was the Founding Director of Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.