03.01 Into the Unknown – Beyond Networks: The Evolution of Living Systems
Channel: Johannes Jaeger
Date: 2020-04-24

Module 3 of "Beyond Networks" explains what it means to take a process perspective on scientific inquiry, knowledge, and reality itself. This first lecture takes us on a little excursion "Into the Unknown," arguing that it is what we don't know, which is most important for generating new knowledge. It asks the question, going back to Plato's "Meno," how we can learn about subjects we don't even know exist. By refocussing on our ignorance, we learn how to disrupt our traditional frame, to break out of our own perspective.

If you are interested in the limits of science and its meaning in the world, please read Marcelo Gleiser's "The Island of Knowledge." It is a brilliant piece of science communication and outreach! 

I equally highly recommend Stuart Firestein's little book on "Ignorance, and How it Drives Science." Both Gleiser and Firestein succeed in shifting our focus away from what we know, to the vast amount of unknown territory that still surrounds us.

Last but not least, do yourself a favour and read Carl Sagan's classic "Varieties of Scientific Experience," a very personal perspective by a brilliant scientists and populariser of science.