The Uncertain Science Behind What We Understand As ‘Truth’
17:12 minutes
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Throughout history, humans have been on a search for truth. From the ancient Greeks and their belief in a universal truth, to our Founding Fathers writing, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” In a world of disinformation, conspiracy theories, and the rising influence of artificial intelligence, where does truth fit in? Mathematician Adam Kucharski, author of Proof: The Art and Science of Certainty, joins Host Ira Flatow to discuss the complicated truth.
Read an excerpt of Proof: The Art and Science of Certainty.
Further Reading
- Watch a Ted talk from Adam Kucharski about why uncertainty bothers us so much.
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Segment Guests
Adam Kucharski
Dr. Adam Kucharski is a mathematician and author of “Proof: The Art and Science of Certainty.” He is based in London.
Segment Transcript
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Meet the Producers and Host
About Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Davis is a producer and fill-in host at Science Friday, which means she spends her weeks researching, writing, editing, and sometimes talking into a microphone. She’s always eager to talk about freshwater lakes and Coney Island diners.
About Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.