The Sean Carrolls Explain the Universe

Why are we here? Is there life on other planets? The renowned scientists who share a name share their answers to life’s big questions.

T his is the tale of two Sean Carrolls. Nautilus brought the two scientists together for the fun reason that they share a name. And their conversation is filled with humor and camaraderie. And brilliance. The Sean Carrolls bring their perspectives from physics and evolutionary biology to bear on timeless questions about the origin of life, the possibilities of life on other planets, the tension between science and religion, the fate of Earth, and how they first got enchanted by science as kids.

Sean Carroll, the evolutionary biologist, is the former vice president for science education at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, where he championed research and the role of science as a human endeavor rich with drama and beauty. His books include A Series of Fortunate Events about the chance occurrences that shaped life on Earth and The Serengeti Rules, which traces the invisible rules that govern ecosystems. His writing is rich in personal narratives that uncover the mechanisms of biological order and collapse.

Sean Carroll, the physicist, is a distinguished theoretical physicist celebrated for his contributions to quantum mechanics, cosmology, and the philosophy of science. He holds the position of Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. His most recent books are part of a series, The Biggest Ideas in the Universe, in which he brings readers “up to speed with exactly what professional physicists are talking about, with an emphasis on established knowledge rather than speculation.” His other books include From Eternity to Here, which explores the concept of time; The Big Picture, discussing the origins of life and the universe; and Something Deeply Hidden, focusing on quantum mechanics.

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