Alan Lightman

Alan Lightman
Born (1948-11-28) November 28, 1948 (age 75)
EducationPrinceton University (BA)
California Institute of Technology (PhD)
Scientific career
FieldsPhysics
Creative writing
InstitutionsMassachusetts Institute of Technology
ThesisI. Time-dependent accretion disks around compact objects. II. Theoretical frameworks for analyzing and testing gravitation theories (1974)
Doctoral advisorKip S. Thorne

Alan Paige Lightman (born November 28, 1948) is an American physicist, writer, and social entrepreneur.[1][2] He has served on the faculties of Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is currently a professor of the practice of the humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Lightman was one of the first persons at MIT to hold a joint faculty position in both the sciences and the humanities.[3] His thinking and writing explore the intersection of the sciences and humanities, especially the multilogues among science, philosophy, religion, and spirituality.[4][5]

Lightman is a member of the United Nations’ Scientific Advisory Board, reporting directly to the Secretary General. The purpose of this Board is to advise UN leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and mitigate potential risks, including ethical and social issues.[6]

Lightman is the author of the international bestseller Einstein's Dreams.[3][7] and his novel The Diagnosis was a finalist for the National Book Award.[8] He is also the founder of Harpswell, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance a new generation of women leaders in Southeast Asia.[9]

Lightman hosts the public-television series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.[10]

He has received six honorary doctoral degrees.

  1. ^ "Home". Harpswell Foundation.
  2. ^ Overbye, Dennis (February 13, 2020). "Time is Still a Mystery to 'Einstein's Dreams' Author - Why Alan Lightman, astrophysicist turned writer, traded black holes for black ink". The New York Times. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Adams, Tim (April 2, 2018). "Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine by Alan Lightman review – at one with the universe". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  4. ^ Shermer, Michael (June 25, 2018). "Must Science Conflict With Spirituality?". The New York Times.
  5. ^ Gimbel, Steven (March 30, 2018). "A Scientist on a quest to understand the spiritual" – via Washingtonpost.com.
  6. ^ "UN Secretary-General Creates Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases".
  7. ^ "Einstein's Dreams @ 59E59". prospect-theater.
  8. ^ "National Book Awards 2000". National Book Foundation. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  9. ^ Foster, Rebecca (June 20, 2018). "A Gift to Our Spirit: On Wasting Time". Los Angeles Review of Books. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  10. ^ Carey, Matthew (October 27, 2022). "In 'Searching, Famed Physicist Alan Lightman Seeks Answers to Big Questions in New Docuseries". Deadline. Retrieved December 22, 2022.

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