The case for useless knowledge | Betül Kaçar

Astrobiologist Betül Kaçar on why the simple act of asking questions (without needing a reason) is one of the most powerful things a human can do.

❍ Subscribe to The Well on YouTube: https://bit.ly/welcometothewell

Astrobiologist Betül Kaçar believes science doesn’t always need a clear purpose; asking questions just to know is reason enough.

Historically, scientific breakthroughs have come as a result of random, niche interests: questions asked just for the sake of satiating curiosity. For Kaçar, science is a patient act, and the simple desire to understand is one of the most beautiful parts of being human.

Read the full video transcript: https://bigthink.com/the-well/?utm_so...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

❍ About The Well ❍

Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds.

So what do they think?

How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions?

Let’s dive into The Well.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join The Well on your favorite platforms:
❍ Facebook: https://bit.ly/thewellFB
❍ Instagram: https://bit.ly/thewellIG