Any new, radical concept in physics—like that of the holographic principle—tends to garner differing levels of support and skepticism within the field. Theoretical physicist Leonard Susskind explains that beyond its basic premise, every physicist has his own view of how the holographic principle truly operates. Like quantum mechanics and general relativity before it, many physicists are convinced that this seemingly bizarre principle will revolutionize how we define the physical world. But for Susskind, the varying paths of progression towards that understanding are what makes things interesting.

More videos from this series: A Thin Sheet of Reality

This program is part of The Big Idea Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

Recorded June 2011; Posted August 2011