- Author Dawn Youngs serves as the debate Moderatrix at the Dionysium.
- The January Dionysium: The Science Show.
In quantum mechanics, there is a principle of uncertainty which places a fundamental limit on the accuracy with which some combinations of physical properties of a particle can be simultaneously known. That is to say, the more precisely you measure one property, the less precisely the other can be known.
Although Albert Einstein’s work was pivotal in the development of quantum theory, he was notoriously uncomfortable about the level of uncertainty inherent in the ideas and is reported to have once stated that he was “convinced that He [God] does not play dice.” Toward the end of his years he is also known to have recanted this statement in support of quantum theory, which leaves the subject with a bit of uncertainty.
This Wednesday evening Austin’s own Dionysium will tackle this question, and several other juicy scientific tidbits, as they inaugurate their 2012 season at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar.
The Dionysium is an intellectual variety show with an audience adjudicated debate at its core. The show performs the first Wednesday of every month at the Alamo and this January edition will mark their 92nd show.
The brainchild of President LB Deyo and co-founded with Chairman Buzz Moran and Maestro Graham Reynolds, the Dionysium offers an entertaining evening of intellectual stimulation where the audience is encouraged to take part in the discussion. Participation is not required however, and audience members are welcome to sit back, relax and enjoy dinner and a drink during the show.
The center of the show, The Dionysium debate, pits two experts against one another in parliamentary combat. An audience interrogatory segment allows guests to become a part of the debate. Every resolution is adopted, or defeated, by an audience vote.
This month’s show focuses on science and the debate topic is Resolved: That God does not play dice.
Arguing for the affirmative is Dr. Todd B. Krause. Dr. Krause received his doctorate in physics from the University of Texas and conducted research at the Center for Relativity.
His opponent, arguing that God does indeed play dice, is Dr. Eamonn Healy. Dr. Healy, a professor at St. Edwards University, received his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, where he co-authored Austin Model 1, the most widely used semi-empirical method for quantum calculation of molecular electronic structure. Dr. Healy is currently professor of chemistry, and Lucian Professor of Science, at St. Edward's University.
Rounding out the evening will be a lecture on the history of action, a reading from a lecture by famed American physicist Richard Feynman, a review of a new comic biography of Feynman and the Dionysium staples, a cartoon and a drinking song. Following the show, the audience and presenters are all encouraged to saunter across Lamar for drinks and further discussion at The Gibson Bar.