Science doesn't care what you believe

Occam’s Razor explained: When you hear hoofbeats think horses, not zebras

Occam’s razor, a foundational principle in philosophy and science, postulates that when presented with multiple explanations for a phenomenon, the simplest one – requiring the fewest assumptions – is often the most likely to be correct. Named after the 14th-century Franciscan friar, William of Ockham, this heuristic tool champions simplicity and clarity over complexity. At its core, Occam’s razor underscores the value of parsimony in reasoning, suggesting that unnecessary complications in a hypothesis can deter us from the truth. While not an infallible rule, it serves as a guiding light, reminding us that straightforward explanations, free from unwarranted intricacies, often lead the way to genuine understanding.

Hitchens’s Razor: what can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence

In our daily discourse, it’s common to encounter bold claims made without a shred of evidence. These baseless assertions, while occasionally persuasive, rest on shaky ground. Hitchens’s Razor, a clear and concise principle, provides a response to such proclamations: “What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.” This adage serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role evidence plays in meaningful conversation and debate, prompting both speakers and listeners to prioritize substance over mere speculation.

Sagan Standard: Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence

Carl Sagan once said, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”, which is now known as the “Sagan Standard”. This means that if someone says something really surprising or unusual, they should have strong proof to back it up. It’s like telling a big story-you need to show it’s true. This idea is important today because there’s a lot of misinformation and conspiracy theories out there. So, Sagan’s rule reminds us to always ask for evidence before believing something that seems too amazing or out of the ordinary. If you’re going to make a big claim, you better have the facts to support it.

The Optimal Order for Reading Asimov’s Foundation Series [A Comprehensive Guide]

Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series stands as a monumental achievement in science fiction, weaving a tapestry of narratives that span millennia and explore the rise and fall of civilizations. For newcomers to this intricate universe, however, the path to immersion might appear daunting.

With prequels, sequels, and the original trilogy penned over decades, determining an optimal reading order is not a straightforward task. Yet, the sequence in which one approaches these novels can profoundly shape the experience and understanding of Asimov’s grand vision. As a lifelong Asimov fan since my childhood, in this article, I try to guide readers through the cosmic maze of the Foundation saga, suggesting a curated reading order that captures both the series’ chronological events and its evolving thematic depth.

Leslie Lamport: The Man Who Revolutionized Computer Science With Math

Leslie Lamport’s journey as a computer scientist, driven by his background in mathematics, has significantly influenced modern computer science. Lamport’s philosophical approach toward algorithms and the foundational role of mathematics in programming is instrumental in understanding the relationship between programming and coding. From his reflections on distributed systems to his interactions with industry, we delve deep into Lamport’s transformative insights and breakthroughs.

What was Isaac Asimov like in person?

Isaac Asimov, renowned as one of the most brilliant minds in science fiction, was not only an extraordinary writer but also an exemplary human being. His ability to weave complex scientific principles into fascinating narratives won him accolades worldwide and positioned him as a literary giant. For many, including myself, Asimov is a favorite, and his works continue to captivate readers with their thought-provoking themes and meticulous scientific underpinnings. His legacy is secured in the annals of science fiction as one of its most distinguished contributors.

When will we be able to upload our brains to a computer?

We often imagine that human consciousness is as simple as the input and output of electrical signals within a network of processing units – therefore comparable to a computer. The reality, however, is much more complicated. For starters, we don’t actually know how much information the human brain can hold.

Two years ago, a team at the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, US, mapped the 3D structure of all the neurons (brain cells) comprised in one cubic millimeter of the brain of a mouse – a milestone considered extraordinary.

Terminator cannot read Sarah Connor captcha: wonderful meme

A great meme – Terminator cannot read “Sarah Connor” captcha. Because, well, he’s a robot.

How much data we’re producing and where it’s all stored

Ancient humans stored information in cave paintings, the oldest we know of are over 40,000 years old. As humans evolved, the emergence of languages and the invention of writing led to detailed information being stored in various written forms, culminating with the invention of paper in China around the first century AD.

Melvin M. Vopson, University of Portsmouth

This quantum internet breakthrough could help make hacking a thing of the past

Quantum internet breakthrough - Internet security

This article is originally published on The Conversation under the title of “Our quantum internet breakthrough could help make hacking a thing of the past”.

Siddarth Koduru Joshi, University of Bristol