The Secret Life of Chaos

Theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili takes us through a crash course on string theory, the important role of chaos in the natural world and fresh theories on the origins of life, the universe and everything. Along the way, he slips in a few quick-hit biographies on the men behind some major steps forward in these novel ways of thinking. Though the concepts are often quite nebulous and difficult to pin down, Khalili and his talking-head cohorts are able to cover a lot of ground in a way that doesn't seem too intellectual or technical for the uninitiated. Good visual examples are a key component of their lesson, and with the limitless stock library of the BBC at their disposal, they come up with a few inventive, dazzling exercises. There's only so much you can do with just an hour on such a boundless, wide-ranging subject, but as a thorough introduction it performs admirably. I'd watch a follow-up.

Everything is agreeable except the computer designer created the algorithm. The algorithm takes over but the computer designer created the code. In the same perspective, the big algorithm of life demands a Designer (an originator of the code). All indicates, a DESIGNER needs to exist in order for the code to exist.

If I could, I would rate this documentary (one of three by the brilliant Prof of Physics, University of Surrey, UK. Jim al Khalili) a heck of lot bigger than a mere, "10".

Awe inspiring and breath taking in its scope, history and details, this episode is dangerously exciting. One could possibly describe it as "wonderfully dark" as opposed to the brightly optimistic, feel-good science specials we've been treated to the past 50 years.

This is the REAL STUFF, bringing together concepts of science, history, technology, astronomy and physics in a wat that has never been done before.

To date, I believe I've viewed it over 80 times. It's *that* good. Please put it on your viewing list. You will not be disappointed.

Excellent education about chaos. I've read the book "Chaos: Making a New Science" by John Gleick and have seen many presentations on the subject but this one really brought a lot of things together for me. It was the second time I watched it which helped a lot of specifics become more clear. It is always amazing how difficult it is to present new ideas in science when the world is not ready to hear them. "Did you really want to talk about whether?" Phil Connors.

Another must-see BBC science documentary. Easy to grasp, far reaching in nature. A nice bite-size expose of a fundamental part of nature. Jim Al Khalili is fast becoming my favorite Scientific Talking-Head.

1 point notched down for, at part, excessive editing (although subdued compared some other BBC broadcasts).

For your consideration, also :

The Secret Life Of The Cell.

Infinity And Beyond.

Order And Disorder.

Shock And Awe : The Story of Electricity.

Horizon : Who's Afraid of a Big Black Hole?