Ian Hutchinson: Nuclear Fusion, Plasma Physics, and Religion | Lex Fridman Podcast #112

Video Description

Ian Hutchinson is a nuclear engineer and plasma physicist at MIT. He has made a number of important contributions in plasma physics including the magnetic confinement of plasmas seeking to enable fusion reactions, which is the energy source of the stars, to be used for practical energy production. Current nuclear reactors are based on fission as we discuss. Ian has also written on the philosophy of science and the relationship between science and religion. Support this podcast by supporting our sponsors: - Sun Basket, use code LEX: https://sunbasket.com/lex - PowerDot, use code LEX: https://powerdot.com/lex EPISODE LINKS: Ian's Website: https://www-internal.psfc.mit.edu/~hutch/ Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles? (book): https://amzn.to/30aooVT Monopolizing Knowledge (book): https://amzn.to/2Xb2a4q PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4 Clips playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOeciFP3CBCIEElOJeitOr41 OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 5:32 - Nuclear physics and plasma physics 8:00 - Fusion energy 35:22 - Nuclear weapons 42:06 - Existential risks 50:29 - Personal journey in religion 56:27 - What is God like? 1:01:34 - Scientism 1:04:21 - Atheism 1:06:39 - Not knowing 1:09:57 - Faith 1:13:46 - The value of loyalty and love 1:23:26 - Why is there suffering in the world 1:35:08 - AGI 1:40:27 - Consciousness 1:48:14 - Simulation 1:52:20 - Adam and Eve 1:54:57 - Meaning of life CONNECT: - Subscribe to this YouTube channel - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman