08 May,2016 11:10 AM IST | | Gitanjali Chandrasekharan
Get ready to discuss theories about the universe and other life forms at a 'workshop-styled' lecture by astrobiologist Pushkar Ganesh Vaidya
We broached a subject we thought would be a little far-fetched even for someone who delves into space and other life forms - is our world actually just a computer simulation and humans, and other life forms, just video game characters?
Pushkar Ganesh Vaidya
Fortunately, there was no loud guffaw at the other of the line. Mumbai-based astrobiologist Pushkar Ganesh Vaidya, says, "I work with Evo Devo Universe, a Belgium-based organisation, that is looking at various factors that contribute to the evolution and development of the universe." A part of this study involves asking a philosophical, or perhaps a logical, question: why do certain rules exist? For instance, says Vaidya, why is the speed of light 299792458 m/s; why does it not increase or decrease?
Over the years, many mathematicians and philosophers have opened their mind to the possibility that the reason that certain laws govern our reality is that our reality is in itself based on certain mathematical laws, i.e. a computer simulation. According to this theory, some highly advanced computer programmer of the future has devised this simulation, and we are unknowingly part of it.
Admittedly, this is not among the topics that Vaidya, who will be conducting a workshop-styled lecture titled Are We Alone? Life in Space: International Short Course at The Hive next month, is set to speak about, but something tells us he will be happy to answer the questions.
There are many hypotheses where the universe is concerned. And The Big Bang Theory is just one. He will discuss The Drake Equation - an argument used by American astrophysicist Frank Donald Drake to arrive at an estimate of the number of advanced civilizations in our galaxy.
While this is not a workshop, Vaidya says he uses interaction to make participants understand certain concepts.
Worried that it might be too technical for you? Don't. Graphic designer Ravi Rana, who says he is "fond of the topic", found Vaidya's workshop enlightening and says he will attend the next one as well.
When: May 8, 10 AM
Where: The Hive, next to Ahmed Bakery, Chuim Village, Khar (W)
Entry: Rs 1499
Call: 9619962969
