Main content

When Quantum Goes Woo

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Ben Goldacre, Jeff Forshaw and Sara Pascoe to discuss why quantum physics is often so popular with purveyors of pseudoscience and quackery.

When Quantum Goes Woo

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Bad Science author, Ben Goldacre, Professor of Particle Physics at Manchester University, Jeff Forshaw, and comedian Sara Pascoe. They'll be looking at why quantum physics, in particular, seems to attract some of the more fringe elements of pseudoscience and alternative medicine, and whether there is anything about the frankly weird quantum behaviour of particles, like the ability to seemingly be in two places at once, that really can be applied to the human condition. When spiritual healers and gurus talk about our own quantum energy and the power of quantum healing, is it simply a metaphor, or is there more to this esoteric branch of science that we could all learn from?

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 10 Feb 2015 23:00

Broadcasts

  • Mon 9 Feb 2015 16:30
  • Tue 10 Feb 2015 23:00

Watch: UFO Special

Watch: UFO Special

Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask if UFOs and aliens have visited Earth.

10 reasons why aliens probably exist

10 reasons why aliens probably exist

Does alien life exist? Probably yes. But will we be making contact anytime soon?

Why we laugh: 9 things you didn’t know

Why we laugh: 9 things you didn’t know

What makes us laugh, why we do it, and how a good guffaw can help us feel healthier.

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast