Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Explore our latest coverage of environmental issues, climate change and more.

The Known Unknowns: Marcelo Gleiser Explains The Limits of Understanding

BostonTx
/
Flickr
Searching for understanding on Burton Island.

To wonder about the world around us is an essential part of being human. “We are that very rare aggregate of molecules that is able to ask questions about our existence and about the universe,” says physicist Marcelo Gleiser.

He contends that our quest for scientific understanding is like an island of knowledge: the more we know, the larger the island grows, but as the island grows, so too does the shoreline. The limits of our understanding increase even as our comprehension grows.

We talk to Marcelo Gleiser, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College, about the history of the scientific quest for understanding and about his new book The Island of Knowledge.

Also in the program, we continue our series of campaign interviews with major party challengers for the state's top offices. Dean Corren is a Progressive who's says his motivation to run for lieutenant governor is rooted in his support for single-payer, universal health care.

Broadcast live on Thursday, June 19 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Sage Van Wing was a Vermont Edition producer.
Latest Stories