NBIA Colloquium: Prof. Abhay Ashtekar

Speaker: Prof. Abhay Ashtekar

Title: Illustrations of Paradigm Shifts in Science: Black Holes, Big Bang and Gravitational Waves

Abstract: Black Holes, Big Bang, and Gravitational Waves now appear as compelling - even obvious - consequences of general relativity. Therefore, it may seem surprising, especially to the younger researchers, that none of these ideas were readily accepted. Not only was there considerable debate, but in fact leading figures were often arguing on what turned out to be `wrong side' of history. These developments provide excellent lessons on how science unfolds. Paradigm shifts in science seem to occur when younger researchers have the courage not to accept ideas merely because they are mainstream; patience to systematically develop novel avenues they deeply believe in; and maturity to accept that a variety of factors - not all logical or even directly related to science - can drive or dampen scientific progress.