01
The Question
What if being ignorant about something is fundamental to gaining knowledge about it?
About This Conversation
Ignorance is usually viewed as a bad thing. However, Prof. Stuart Firestein, former chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University and author of "Ignorance: How It Drives Science" and "Failure: Why Science Is So Successful," views ignorance as a stepping stone to knowledge. Tune in to learn how tackling ignorance is the next frontier for you.
We often think of ignorance as something negative. However, Prof. Firestein sees it as a necessary step towards knowledge. What if being ignorant about something is fundamental to gaining knowledge about it? Prof. Stuart Firestein opens our eyes to why ignorance might not be just as bad as we believe.
Conversation Map
A guided path through the source-provided topic list for this episode.
Recurring Questions
Recurring Question
"What books have had an impact on you?"
For Young Listeners
"What advice do you have for teenagers?"
Resources Mentioned
- Guest page: aimingforthemoon.com/guests/stuart-firestein-author-ep-60
- Ignorance: How It Drives Science: amazon.com
- Failure: Why Science Is So Successful: amazon.com
- amazon.com
- amazon.com
Guest Bio
Prof. Stuart Firestein is the former chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University and author of Ignorance: How It Drives Science and Failure: Why Science Is So Successful.
Related Conversations