Tag Archives: Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking, the Theoretical physicist who made revolutionary contributions to our understanding of the nature of the universe, has died.

Any thoughts, Newstalk?

Oh.

Mind over matter’: Stephen Hawking – obituary by Roger Penrose (Guardian)

hawkingFollowing last month’s vote by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland.

Steven Hawking has joined the academic boycott of Israel by pulling out of a conference hosted by former Israeli president Shimon Peres.

How’s that gone down?

Hawking’s decision met with abusive responses on Facebook, with many commentators focusing on his physical condition, and some accusing him of antisemitism.

…Israel Maimon, chairman of the presidential conference said: The use of an academic boycott against Israel is outrageous and improper, particularly for those to whom the spirit of liberty is the basis of the human and academic mission. Israel is a democracy in which everyone can express their opinion, whatever it may be. A boycott decision is incompatible with open democratic discourse.”

FIGHT!

Stephen Hawking joins academic boycott of Israel (Guardian)

Previously: To Cease All Cultural And Academic Collaboration

(Corbis)

Thanks Sido

 

Have you guessed what the work of art is yet? In 1995, Jake and Dinos Chapman created Ubermensch, a lifelike 12ft-tall fibreglass image of Hawking in his wheelchair perched on top of a rocky pinnacle. It was clearly not a homage to Hawking’s intellect or courage. Its title – meaning “Overman” or “superman”, a term used in Nietzsche’s philosophical writings – is plainly intended sarcastically. The work seems to suggest that Hawking, the modern superman, is a prisoner of his sick body. It stresses his carnal weakness and mocks the idea that his mind has somehow conquered matter.

It is less a work of art than a sneer.

 

Thin Line between Art And Hate: Is This The Most Repellent Work of Modern Art? (Jonathan Jones Art Blog, Guardian)

When ‘New Scientist’ magazine asked “Brief History of Time” author Stephen Hawking what he thinks about most, the Cambridge University professor renowned for unraveling some of the most complex questions in modern physics answered: “Women. They are a complete mystery.”

Women Are A Mystery To British Physicist (Reuters)

Stephen Hawking At 70 (New Scientist)

Thanks Spaghetti Hoop