How Scientists Define Fake Art As Fake, a Physics Map and an Experience Machine
This week we explore how researchers identify fake artwork as fake, check the story of a 61-year-old potato farmer who won an ultramarathon, review a physics map, and more.
Physics Map
Speaking as a person who studied physics and received a degree in it, on the other hand, I can happily confirm the opinion that this is a huge subject area that covers almost everything we know and understand about the universe and how it works, interacts with her. itself and how the objects in it interact with each other.
However, this means that the breadth of the topic can sometimes be difficult to expand, and this ” physics map ” aims to break it down a bit to make it more accessible – especially so that you understand which area of physics you are. discussing. when you read about some new experiment or news, or when you are researching something in particular that interests you. The video is a bit long, but well worth it, especially if you have an interest in the subject in general. If you need your own map, you can view the full image on Flickr here . [ via Dominic Walliman (YouTube) , thanks Kottke ! ]
61-year-old potato farmer wins ultramarathon
Proof that you’re never too old to do what you love, and that while obstacles are real and challenges can hold you back, you should still try the story of Cliff Young, the Australian ultramarathon winner who won the 500 mile race at age 61 against the background of many other professional participants, this is an inspiration for all of us. This is also not ancient history, he did it in 1983.
The latest installment of the Futility Closet podcast takes a closer look at his story and walks you through everything you need to know about his inspiration, his unusual training regime, and his past. [ via Boing Boing ]
How scientists define a work of art as a fake
The science that seeks to make sure that a “suddenly discovered” or “discovered in the basement” work of art by a great artist is in fact real and not a fake – even a very complex and detailed fake designed to defraud the international art markets – it really is impressive.
This Mental Floss article details what this investigation process looks like, the tools researchers use to determine if an item is indeed fake, and of course what the implications are and how big the fake art industry really is. This is an excellent read that lists the specific tools and techniques used to determine if a painting may not be as old or as real as the seller claims. [ via Mental Floss ]
Experience machine, or a pleasant life is the key to good
This classic thought experiment is often repeated by students of philosophy, but it is also very interesting for laymen to study. It’s called the Experience Machine , and the main question posed by the philosopher Robert Nozick in 1974 is:
Nozick asks us to present a car that could give us any desired or pleasant experience we could wish for. Psychologists have come up with a way to stimulate the human brain in order to induce pleasant experiences that the subject could not distinguish from those they would get without a car. Then he asks if we had a choice, would we prefer a car to real life?
Obviously, there are some concerns here, but the purpose of the question is to ask the question: Is a pleasant life good, and if so, does that mean that anything that goes against pleasure or a good experience is bad for a good one? a life?
Thought experiment is commonly used to refute the concept of “ ethical hedonism, ” or the philosophy that seeking pleasant, happy experiences is the only experience worthwhile. PBS Idea has been doing the thought experiment in this video and it does a great job at it – and gets you thinking on your own. [ via the PBS ideas channel (YouTube) ]
Flying over the Silver Train, Colorado (in 4K)
If a lot of this was a little ponderous, let’s light it up with the Silver Plume Overpass, Colorado in the Snow, from Evan Schneider on Vimeo . This is a great five-minute respite from a complex, ruthless and tough world. Enjoy it and have a good week. [ via Evan Schneider (Vimeo) ]
If you have thought-provoking stories, interesting podcasts, eye-opening videos, or anything else that you think is perfect for Brain Buffet, share it with us! Email me , leave it as a comment below, or send it in any way convenient for you.