How Physics brushed up against Alchemy, Mysticism and Psychology

At a key time in his scientific development, the physicist Wolfgang Pauli underwent analysis by Carl Jung. The encounters were inspiring for both men and sparked changes in their work. I will talk about Pauli and how his scientific discoveries were affected by Jung’s analysis of his dreams. At the time Jung was looking into alchemy, mysticism and the I Ching. How did his encounters with Pauli affect his view of the world and the universe?

May 19, 2010, 7.00-9.00pm

The Science and Medical Network
Colet House
151 Talgarth Road, London W14 9DA (nearest tube station Barons Court on
the Piccaddilly Line)

Book with the office by either emailing info@scimednet.org
or calling 01608 652 000.

The cost for the evening is £12 for members of the SMN and £15 for non members.

May 14, 2010, 7.00-8.00pm

The Travel Bookshop
13 Blenheim Crescent
London W11 2EE
020 7229 5260

Abstract: Jung, Pauli, and the pursuit of a scientific obsession

At a key time in his scientific development, the famous physicist Wolfgang Pauli underwent analysis by the celebrated analytic psychologist Carl Jung. The two quickly expanded their conversations to include physics, psychoanalysis, ESP, UFOs, Jesus Christ, Yahweh, Armageddon, where science came from and what was missing in both science and psychology to provide an understanding of the world in which we live. Both made enormous breakthroughs in their fields. But in their many conversations, they went much farther. The author, Arthur I. Miller, will be in discussion with psychoanalyst Sara Collins about some of the areas in which Pauli and Jung found common ground between physics and psychoanalysis and the light that their discussions cast on questions of knowledge and belief. Theirs was truly a meeting of physics and psychology.

April 30, 2010

Department of Physics
University of Bergen
Bergen, Norway

Weaving the Universe

(with Fiorella Lavado)

A version will be presented on 4 March, 6.00-7.30pm at

Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Picadilly
London W1J OBQ

Click here for further details on the Royal Astronomical Society website.

Abstract: Weaving the Universe

Art: Fiorella Lavado
Science: Arthur I. Miller, University College London

Artists use mathematical models of black holes developed from data taken by space telescopes to give us some idea of what these mysterious objects actually look like. They have produced amazing images of objects which are impossible to perceive and enormously far away from us. But what has been missing are visual representations that evoke their frightening grandeur and the poetry behind them. Towards that goal artist Fiorella Lavado and scientist Arthur I. Miller have been working together, in an artist-scientist collaboration. Together we explore representations of nature that go beyond scientific visualisations.

Weaving the Universe

(with Fiorella Lavado)

February 12, 2010

Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Picadilly
London W1J OBQ

Click here for further details on the Royal Astronomical Society website.

Abstract: Weaving the Universe

Art: Fiorella Lavado
Science: Arthur I. Miller, University College London

Artists use mathematical models of black holes developed from data taken by space telescopes to give us some idea of what these mysterious objects actually look like. They have produced amazing images of objects which are impossible to perceive and enormously far away from us. But what has been missing are visual representations that evoke their frightening grandeur and the poetry behind them. Towards that goal artist Fiorella Lavado and scientist Arthur I. Miller have been working together, in an artist-scientist collaboration. Together we explore representations of nature that go beyond scientific visualisations.

The Strange Friendship of Pauli and Jung: When Physics Met Psychology

(Read Abstract)

Versions to be presented at:

December 7, 2009

Department of Physics
ETH
Zurich, Switzerland

***

December 10, 2009

Council Chamber
CERN
Geneva, Switzerland

***

The Strange Friendship of Pauli and Jung: When Physics Met Psychology

(Read Abstract)

Versions to be presented at:

December 7, 2009

Department of Physics
ETH
Zurich, Switzerland

***

December 10, 2009

Council Chamber
CERN
Geneva, Switzerland

***

The Strange Collaboration of Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung: When Physics Met Psychology

(with Fiorella Lavado)

November 24, 2009

Crucible Alumni Day
NESTA
Ambassadors Hotel, Bloomsbury
London

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Listen to Arthur I. Miller on The Strand here.

Walking in My Mind

The Hayward Gallery in London has been transformed into to a giant brain this week for the opening of a ground breaking exhibition “Walking in my mind”. The idea behind it is to show that as well as neuroscientists and philosophers, visual artists also contribute to our understanding of human consciousness. Among the ten artists invited to show the inner workings of their mind are the acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama with her
signature polka dots and British Turner Prize winner Keith Tyson.

Joining Mark Coles on the mental journey was click Professor Arthur I Miller, giving us a scientific take on the exhibits.

Listen to Arthur I. Miller on The Forum here.

Podcast available to download here.

View image gallery of Arthur I. Miller and Bridget Kendall recording the programme here.

THE FORUM, the ideas programme with BRIDGET KENDALL.

Indian environmentalist SUNITA NARAIN on our wasteful attitude to water.

American-British physicist and historian of science ARTHUR I MILLER on the link between scientific genius and the visual arts.

Italian physicist and writer PAOLO GIORDANO on using prime numbers to understand human nature.