Why are some science theories more popular than others? (with Dan Weatherill)

Sleep Talk Podcast

Dan, a solid state physics researcher at Oxford, discusses some of his ideas about why certain areas of science are less known than others. Although we're arguably more affected by semiconductor physics than we are general relativity on a daily basis, most people are well able to explain Einstein's theories while fewer understand the basic principles of conduction. Dan proposed that one of the reasons for this may be a lack of leading figures in lesser known fields (i.e. William Shockley, the founder of semiconductor physics and a "virulent racist", was difficult to weave a story around.) Topics in this episode include; - Description of solid state physics - distinction between quantum and classical mechanics - how semiconductor physics bridges the gap between the quantum and macro world via a theory involving bands - the pauli exclusion principle - William Shockely, one of the founder of transistor physics - Silicon Valley - Other ideas about why some science isn't mainstream (i.e., too many steps away from fundamental science) - What makes knowledge interesting - How can we insipire that interest - And a few others. Thanks for listening!