The Physics of Things (that aren’t there)

Science is different from other intellectual pursuits in that it makes predictions. When a prediction is verified by a subsequent experiment, this vindicates currently accepted scientific theory. However, sometimes a prediction is incorrect, and this is most exciting because it forces a revolution in scientific thinking. For example, the existence of the planet Neptune was predicted to explain the quirks in the orbit of Uranus, and the observation of Neptune strengthened Newton’s theory of gravity. However, the planet Vulcan was also predicted to explain the quirks in the orbit of Mercury, and Vulcan does not exist! This forced the replacement of Newtonian gravity by Einstein’s revolutionary new theory of gravity. Current scientific theory predicts the existence of “dark matter,” but it has not yet been seen. Are we on the cusp of a new scientific breakthrough or must we wait until observational techniques are good enough to see it? Professor Bender will expound upon these issues and relate them to Maxwell’s battles with the concept of an aether

Carl Bender Wilfred R. and Ann Lee Konneker Distinguished Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis. and is an expert in theoretical physics, particularly quantum theory.

This talk is free for members of the public and will take place at 18.30 in the Old Anatomy Lecture Theatre, King’s College London, Strand Campus on the 18th March 2014