AI Insight
Theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli argues that our fundamental questions about fully understanding reality may be misconceived, suggesting we need to abandon certain conventional ideas about the universe. He challenges basic assumptions including the existence of space itself and advocates for developing new frameworks that can integrate different aspects of reality, from physical atoms to consciousness. His work in loop quantum gravity seeks to reconcile quantum mechanics with Einstein's general relativity.
Why it matters
This perspective influences how physicists approach fundamental questions about the nature of reality and could reshape research priorities in theoretical physics. Developing new conceptual frameworks may be necessary to make progress on long-standing problems in unifying our understanding of the universe at quantum and cosmic scales.
Understand the Science
Will we ever fully understand reality? Can we ever fully know the inner workings of the universe? Theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli thinks we’re asking all the wrong questions. Inspired by the monumental, mind-bending artworks of Anish Kapoor, Rovelli explains how we must let go of old ideas and accept that we will never know everything about the universe.
Speaking to New Scientist reporter Michael Brooks, Rovelli questions whether space even exists and criticises the pursuit of unfounded theories. His radical perspective suggests everything is connected, from our atoms to our soul, and the new challenge is finding a language that brings all aspects of reality into the conversation.
Rovelli is a theoretical physicist and author based at Aix-Marseille University in France, whose work focuses on loop quantum gravity, which aims to unify quantum mechanics and Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity.