Department of Physics
proudly presents

A cosmic coincidence: Why is the universe just right for life?

Public Symposium
Thursday, January 25th, 2007, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Stephen Leacock Building #132 [Map]

Panel

Dr. Paul Davies Director Beyond: Institute for Fundamental Concepts in Science Arizona State University	Dr. George Efstathiou, F.R.S. Director The Institute of Astronomy Cambridge University
Dr. David Gross Director The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics U.C. Santa Barbara	Dr. Leonard Susskind Felix Bloch Professor of Physics Stanford University
Moderator Dr. Victoria Kaspi Lorne Trottier Chair in Astrophysics and Cosmology McGill University

Why is the world the way it is? If the value of some of the physical constants in our universe were marginally different, we simply wouldn't be here. Carbon-based life would be impossible, and there would be no one to observe the universe or to name it in the first place. Although the term anthropic principle was only coined in the 1970's, it has been a flashpoint in theology, philosophy and science for centuries, and has resurfaced again recently in modern physics research. Theoretical physicists are now proposing theories that demote our ordinary laws of nature to a tiny corner of a gigantic landscape of mathematical possibilities. We may be on the verge of a revolution, which will alter the face of science itself.

This Symposium, followed by a light Reception will be open to the general public and admission is free. With limited seating capacity, attendees will be admitted on a first-come basis.

Cette conférence sera prononcée en anglais et traduite simultanément en français

Live Webcast: http://mediasite.campus.mcgill.ca/trottiersymposium07.html

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You can get a PDF of the poster here.

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Faculty of Science - Symposium Office
Dawson Hall, Room 409
853 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 2T6 Canada
Telephone: 514-398-2852 email: [email protected]
Series website: http://www.mcgill.ca/science/trottier-symposium/

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