David Deutsch's 1997 book The Fabric of Reality laid the groundwork for an all-encompassing Theory of Everything, and galvanized interest in the idea of a quantum computer, which could solve problems of hitherto unimaginable complexity.
Why you should listen to him:
More than any other thinker, David Deutsch will force you to reconsider your place in the world. This legendary Oxford physicist is the leading proponent of the multiverse (or "many worlds") interpretation of quantum theory -- the astounding idea that our universe is constantly spawning countless numbers of parallel worlds.
In his own words: "Everything in our universe -- including you and me, every atom and every galaxy -- has counterparts in these other universes." If that doesn't alter your consciousness, then the other implications he's derived from his study of subatomic physics -- including the possibility of time travel -- just might.
In his 1997 book The Fabric of Reality, Deutsch laid the groundwork for an all-encompassing Theory of Everything by tying together quantum mechanics, evolution, a rationalist approach to knowledge, and a theory of computation based on the work of proto-computer scientist Alan Turing. "Our best theories are not only truer than common sense, they make more sense than common sense," Deutsch wrote, and he continues to take seriously the most mind-bending aspects of particle physics, including the tendency of matter to exist in more than one place at a time. Though famously reclusive, Deutsch proved himself marvelously at home on the TED stage, drawing big laughs and a well-earned standing ovation for his reflections on the future of our species.
"Amazingly enough, it is Deutsch's idea -- one he has harbored since childhood, he says -- to truly understand 'everything' that is known. Even more amazing is how close he seems to have come and how well he explains it to the rest of us."The San Jose Mercury News
Blog Posts on TED
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From the TEDTalks archive, David Deutsch on our place in the cosmos – August 4, 2008
For the next two weeks, we're presenting some of our favorite TEDTalks from among the 275 talks and performances we've posted since June 2006. Look for brand-new TEDTalks starting August 18. Until then, enjoy these gems -- and suggest your own by writing to contact@ted.com
Physicist David Deutsch is author of The Fabric of Reality and the leading proponent of the multiverse intrepretation of quantum theory -- the astounding idea that our universe is constantly spawning countless numbers of parallel worlds. In this rare (and delightfully engaging) public appearance, he weaves a complex and captivating argument placing the study of physics at the center of our species' survival. (Recorded July 2005 in Oxford, UK. Duration: 19:45)
Watch David Deutsch's 2005 talk on TED.com, where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.
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A hard week for space exploration – July 27, 2007
This has been a hard week for lovers and dreamers of space travel -- a frequent topic at TED. An explosion at Burt Rutan's Scaled Composites spaceport caused three victims. It was followed by a report on issues of personal safety at NASA, part of the unfolding story there. Space exploration is an inherent high-risk endeavor. We invite you to view several talks on TED.com that can help recapture the excitement and pure imagination that has inspired generations of people to reach for the stars: Burt Rutan's own vision, Bill Stone's audacity, and cosmologist David Deutsch, who tells us that humanity's true purpose -- the reason we exist -- is to explore and learn, to gain knowledge.
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Quantum genius – November 15, 2005
Our congratulations to David Deutsch, who's just won the $100,000 Edge of Computation Prize. The physicist credited as the inspiration behind today's quantum computing pioneers, he gave a stunning talk at
TEDGLOBAL in Oxford this year, which included two minutes in complete darkness... his vivid description of a "typical" place in the universe where the human eye would not be able to detect a single star or galaxy. His book The Fabric of Reality is a mind-bending read that may just convince you that we are part of a 'multiverse' made up countless parallel universes.btw, if you don't know about Edge, you should. John Brockman's site is home to many great TED speakers and some of the best intellectual conversation on the internet.
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A non-trivial holiday – March 14, 2008
The TED office is running in circles trying to get the word out about Pi Day, that special day for number nerds that only comes around once a year. We'd love to hear what TED fans are doing to celebrate -- whether watching Pi, baking a pie or taking an irrational out to dinner. If you've chosen to circumvent the fanfare, however, keep in mind that March 14th is also Talk Like a Physicist Day. (It's Albert Einstein's birthday, after all.) TEDTalks can help you brush up on your non-Newtonian oratorical skills with lessons from Murray Gell-Mann, Martin Rees and David Deutsch. -- Matthew Trost
