Poster reads 'The random universe'

The random universe

21 Apr 2026
Public talks and lectures
Time
-
Venue
Martin Wood Complex, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU
Knowledge of physics?
No, knowledge of physics not required
For more information contact

'The random universe'

Professor Andrew H. Jaffe 

How do we make sense of an uncertain Universe? 
In this lecture, inspired by my book, The Random Universe, I will weave science, philosophy, and 
history, from David Hume’s challenge to the probabilistic insights of Thomas Bayes. 
I will tell stories such as Arthur Eddington’s eclipse expedition that confirmed Einstein’s theory of 
gravity, and explore ideas from thermodynamics and quantum mechanics that place fundamental 
limits on certainty. 
I will also discuss modern debates about the Big Bang and the difficulty of extracting truth from 
imperfect data. I will reflect on how science builds knowledge—and why that process matters 
today. 

No registration required, but is recommended via link below, everybody is welcome. Please be seated by 16:55hs.
Book signing of 'The Random Universe' to follow the lecture.

There will be some books available to purchase on the day, but you are free to bring your copy from home with you, too.

Book cover