Marcelo Gleiser is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College, and Director for the Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Engagement. He is returning to King's College London where he studied for his PhD., to deliver this lecture.

In this lecture, Gleiser will offer a critical discussion of the question of the origin of the Universe, starting with creation myths of a variety of different cultures and ending with cutting-edge ideas from modern cosmology. Emphasizing the polarized tension between Being and Becoming and its religious and philosophical origins, he will argue that this tension is unavoidable and still very much present in the sciences, in particular in high energy physics and cosmology. Further, the logical insolvability of the problem of the First Cause is examined, showing the conceptual inappropriateness of current scientific models that claim to offer a solution.

This is a free event, and it will be followed by a drinks reception.