Introduction
Roger Penrose, a renowned mathematician from the University of Oxford, has made significant contributions to the field of science throughout his career. From predicting the existence of singularities in black holes to developing a quantum theory of consciousness, Penrose’s work has pushed the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. In this interview, Penrose discusses his thoughts on topics such as black holes, cosmology, and the nature of consciousness.
Unveiling Singularities and Black Holes
Penrose reflects on his early work on singularities in black holes and the reaction it garnered from the scientific community. He explains that while the existence of black holes was not immediately accepted, observations of quasars provided strong evidence for their presence. He also discusses the notion of “naked” singularities without event horizons and the potential for information to come out of them.
Contemplating Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC)
Penrose shares his current research on conformal cyclic cosmology, which proposes that the big bang is not the origin of the universe but the continuation of a previous aeon. He discusses the controversy surrounding this idea and the observational evidence that supports it, such as the concept of “Hawking Points.”
Quantum Theory of Consciousness
Penrose delves into his controversial idea, first introduced in his book “The Emperor’s New Mind,” that consciousness involves quantum effects. He explains the concept of Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR) and the role of microtubules in this theory. Penrose emphasizes that consciousness goes beyond computable physics and challenges the current understanding of quantum mechanics.
The Influence of Mathematics and Advice for Physicists
Penrose reflects on his early fascination with mathematics and the impact of his family on his career development. He offers advice for aspiring physicists and shares his perspective on the inherent meaning of the universe and the connection between consciousness and fundamental constants.
Conclusion
Roger Penrose continues to explore and innovate, inspiring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. His research on singularities, black holes, cosmology, and consciousness opens up new possibilities and challenges conventional thinking in the field of physics.
