Talk:Stephen Hawking

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Stephen Hawking was a good article, but it has been removed from the list. There are suggestions below for improving the article to meet the good article criteria. Once these are addressed, the article can be renominated. Editors may also seek a reassessment of the decision if they believe there was a mistake.

Delisted version: September 20, 2006

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[edit] Evolution

{{editprotected}} Please add:

It has become apparent as of late that Stephen Hawking has recanted in his acceptance of the Theory of Evolution. He has come out in disapproval of the theory and now states there is absolutely no evidence to support such a theory. Additionally, he asserts that scientists have "naively" accepted this theory and have not done so on the basis of the objective evidence supporting it, as there is absolutely none. Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO2l7ziEIuk

I'm sorry, but we only used reliable sources as references here on Wikipedia, not easily forged Youtube videos. And special attention is given to statements about living people. Please make sure you have a reliable source (e.g. mainstream newspapers, academic journals, Hawking's website, etc.) for any further claims. Danski14(talk) 00:15, 26 June 2007 (UTC)
Is it just me, or does the video look like a really bad fake made with the text-to-speech functionality built into Windows? He doesn't normally speak that fast, and he pauses between forming statements. — George [talk] 01:57, 26 June 2007 (UTC)
Also, this page is not fully protected; I'm disabling the editprotected tag. — Carl (CBM · talk) 04:03, 26 June 2007 (UTC)
The author claim's he/she doesn't use Windows so perhaps it's the Mac variant Nil Einne 16:34, 26 July 2007 (UTC)
People who post such obvious forgeries are hardly trustworthy with statements regarding their OS. However, yes, you can easily fake this kind of thing with any OS, including Mac OS X and Windows. The bottom line, however, is that the audio is an obvious fake. — George [talk] 21:17, 26 July 2007 (UTC)
Oh please, he is one of the Project Steve signatories. I really wonder how creationists can claim the moral high ground with all this deception. Degenerates, the lot of them. --78.16.53.60 22:39, 21 September 2007 (UTC)

For crying out loud, people, this was obviously a joke on the original posters part. Then again, you folks who believe your ancestor is a monkey are obviously broken enough in the brain to miss a fairly obvious joke. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 138.163.0.42 (talk) 18:26, 18 October 2007 (UTC)

That is clearly 'Bruce' one of the voices on Mac OS, It is not the voice of Dr. Hawking's talking machine. --Dp67 | QSO | Sandbox | UBX's 18:46, 18 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Unclear Statement

"He lost balance and fell down a flight of stairs, hitting his head".Was that the cause of his illness?

nope, that's what his illness caused :p 74.124.76.121 22:05, 2 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Illness

With all due respect to Professor Hawking and his massive achievements, I find it kind of odd that the thing you notice most if you see him, his illness, isn't mentioned at all in the introduction, I really think it needs to be mentioned there. 84.108.245.222 16:06, 15 July 2007 (UTC)

A simple, brief note for those that might come to glance at the introduction without knowing much of him? Maybe a biographical caption for the photo? I agree, I think. --Kenneth M Burke 18:17, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
He doesn't like being known for his illness. Apparently. I read a biography. 74.124.76.121 22:06, 2 October 2007 (UTC)

I don't think it's up to Mr. Hawking to decide what he's known for - I'm sure OJ Simpson didn't desire to be infamous for murdering Nicole Brown, but nonetheless.. In any event, I agree, many people come here looking for more information on his illness; I know I did. So why shouldn't it be included in the introduction? 12.150.23.178 14:55, 3 October 2007 (UTC)

I think the page should respect Dr. Hawking, but we can't very well ask his opinion - or can we? The concern was for those that might come to the page and see the photo while knowing nothing about him. Now, I guess the concern should really be that the introductory paragraph mentions his illness and those people that know nothing about it. Certainly, people aren't guilty of having a disease in the same way that individuals are guilty of murder. --Kenneth M Burke 01:17, 4 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] WP:BLP

I've removed the "Comments on the future of earth and humanity" the entire section makes him sound loopy, which is contrary to both the spirit and the letter of the WP:BLP--—(Kepin)RING THE LIBERTY BELL 17:44, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

They are his own words, appropriately sourced. I judge WP:BLP differently, that much is apparent, but I don't hold the particular passages as being particularly contentuous. People being made to sound "loopy", as you put it, is only questionable if it's done by unsourced claims or by other people's words. --Agamemnon2 18:00, 27 August 2007 (UTC)
I don't agree. It is easily possible to quote people out of context or to otherwise misuse what people have said in whichever way you please. Generally speaking, it is best to rely on statements picked up by secondary sources rather then excessive quotation from primary sources to explain people views (which often results in novel intepretations hence is OR). In this specific case it doesn't seem to apply to what was removed but that doesn't change the fact that something being 'sourced' to someone's 'own words' doesn't automatically mean there are no BLP concerns Nil Einne 09:51, 24 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Popular Culture

I just noticed that Stephen Hawking might have been parodied in the 1980's film Wargames! There was a main character called Steven Falken. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Stephen Hawking guest starred as himself on "Star Trek the Next Generation", appearing on the holodeck in a poker match with Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Commander Data (Brent Spiner). There was also a TNG shuttle christened after Dr. Hawking as well (TNG 197). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.170.76.253 (talk) 22:26, 3 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] God Created the Integers

Why does God Created the Integers redirect here? The only time it is mentioned in the article is one line under "Technical" publications section. I think if there is no article on the book, then it should just point to a non-existent page, why redirect to the editor? --DFRussia 21:13, 1 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Incorrect Information

Can someone change this garbage: Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 to Frank Hawking, a research biologist, and Isobel Hawking. He was actually born in a wheel chair. They had to use the jaws of life and a forklift to get him out. Him and his mom both survived, but he was rendered disabled. He had two younger sisters, Philippa and Mary, and an adopted brother, Edward. It's completely disrespectful of a modern day genius who deserves a lot more respect than the writer gave him. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.234.73.130 (talk) 21:46, 1 May 2008 (UTC)

It seems unlikely that Stephen Hawking would go to St Albans High School for Girls. This was obviously a confusion, a mistake, vandalism, or a cheap joke. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.125.43.135 (talk) 16:16, 6 December 2007 (UTC)

It seems unlikely, however it is true, as referenced from muliple reliable sources. As well as the reference in the article ((1995) Stephen Hawking A Biography. Greenwood Press.) There is also [1] or [2] [3] or [4]•CHILLDOUBT• 19:44, 19 December 2007 (UTC)

Also:

"Hawking is also known for his wit; he is famous for his oft-made statement, “When I hear of Schrödinger's cat, I reach for my pistol.” This was a deliberately ironic paraphrase of “Whenever I hear the word culture... I release the safety-catch of my Browning”"

...the word "Browning" links to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Automatic_Rifle , where Hanns Johst is without doubt referring to this Browning instead:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Hi-Power —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.68.132.172 (talk) 05:34, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Pope's discussion

We could add the comments by the Pope asking Hawkings not to study the Universe's origins. I was surprised this isnt in the article already, though the link to the story is in the external links section. Any comments? --Matt57 (talk•contribs) 16:39, 29 December 2007 (UTC)

The Pope's concern of Hawking's scientific endeavors have no real basis on his life. the church does not persecute and chase down detractors anymore. The Pope disagrees with many things in this world, but they are not referenced each time.141.153.192.150 (talk) 04:25, 16 January 2008 (UTC)Zacko141.153.192.150 (talk) 04:25, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Religion?

Currently, there is no specification of Dr. Hawking's religion. I heard that he converted to Roman Catholicism a decade ago. Although it appears he is being very quiet or humble about this, can anybody try to confirm this?--Geremia (talk) 19:02, 30 December 2007 (UTC)

Dr. Hawking's book God Created the Integers seems to give some credence to the fact he is an theist.--Geremia (talk) 20:15, 30 December 2007 (UTC)

I doubt the title shows his beliefs. He just used it for sensation. Some are saying that he's denied being an athiest however this suggests he's one (copy of full paper here). I think we dont have any source about him believing or disbelieving in God to the effect that we can mention it in his article, so its basically unknown, as far as I see it. It seems like he's agnostic (see category at bottom here). NNDB describes him as an agnostic too though it may not be an RS either. Journalist's site quotes him saying he doesnt like using the word God (see details here). --Matt57 (talk•contribs) 21:27, 30 December 2007 (UTC)
Let's not forget that "God created integers" is an obvious reference to Kronecker's famous saying. It has nothing to do with the existence of God. Kope (talk) 06:45, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Distinctions

Does anyone feel the Shroedinger's cat/pistol reference to the culture/BRowning quote to be a bit over the top and subjective141.153.192.150 (talk)Zacko —Preceding comment was added at 04:29, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

I was not familiar with the Browning quote that the "Shroedinger's cat" remark supposedly parodies. But the remark could exist without the Browning quote. The Shroedinger's cat "mental experiment" is invalid, because it assumes there's a difference between human observation and a machine observation. The resolution of the superposition of states doesn't require a human observer -- any device that measures the state serves the function of collapsing the superposition. (Am I saying that correctly?)

WilliamSommerwerck (talk) 23:33, 24 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Bad Writing

One of the problems with a neutral-POV approach is that it makes it difficult to praise or criticize. But the fact is that Stephen Hawking is a poor popularizer of science. (Which is polite way of saying he's a lousy writer.) His explanation of Special Relativity is no more than hand waving; it fails to explain what SR is all about. If you don't believe this, dig up "About Time", one of the Bell System Science Series. It explains SR in a way that makes perfect sense, that you will immediately understand and never forget. WilliamSommerwerck (talk) 23:33, 24 January 2008 (UTC)

Maybe, but he is a character that is larger than his books- Brief History of Time is an appallingly bad book, but became a best seller because of his persona alone. That's millions of people at least thinking about todays science. Millions more than would otherwise do so and certainly many more than would read any other book on the subject matter. Besides, he had to make money to pay for his treatment. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.21.103.171 (talk • contribs) 20:54 (UTC), 10 March 2008
If you find a notable book review which agrees with your criticism, you can cite it in this article, not by saying that you think he is a lousy writer, but by saying that his book has been criticised by so-and-so. --Jerome Potts (talk) 05:52, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How does he communicate?

So if I understood it, he closes his eyes for a second or so, and after that, he can scrunge his cheek to create characters. Exactly how is it done, are there shortcut-commands and so? How fast can you communicate with it? I'm also wondering more about communication through blowing in a plastic hose, I read that a person in the April Witch (the book) could do so. {81.231.181.61 (talk) 10:22, 4 February 2008 (UTC)}

  • How fast can you communicate with it? He says [5] he can manage up to 15 words per minute, it could be added to the article. {Phoenixdolphin (talk) 11:28, 4 February 2008 (UTC)}
  • The page referenced above was written at least 9 years ago, and although an accurate picture of his ability to communicate at the time, does not reflect his abilities now. Given the change in computer control from a switch in each hand to a single switch operated by cheek movement, his effective communication rate will be 5 wpm or less these days. 62.254.222.241 (talk) 12:48, 15 February 2008 (UTC)


[edit] The Nature of Space and Time

Please add: Stephen Hawking's lectures in The Nature of Space and Time are freely available at http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/9409195 Cholewa (talk) 12:47, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Languages

Is Mr. Hawking known to know any languages other then English?--mrg3105 (comms) If you're not taking any flak, you're not over the target. 11:21, 22 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] View on Wikipedia

Are Mr Hawking's views on WP known?
--Jerome Potts (talk) 14:08, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] media appearances

Stephen Hawking was interviewed by Charlie Rose on the Friday March 7 2008 show. (http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/03/07/1/a-conversation-with-dr-stephen-hawking-lucy-hawking)
--Jerome Potts (talk) 20:10, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Verdict on God?

This article makes no mention about whether or not Stephen Hawking believes in a god. He concludes in his book A Brief History of Time that there is the possibility of a non-interventionist god that created the initial conditions and no longer intervenes in the universe. There should at least be a subsection that notes this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.121.12.217 (talk) 15:00, 27 March 2008 (UTC)

This is the answer to God and Hawking, relation to his concept of time-space constriction. He believed in rare intelligent life out there. At a George Washington University lecture in honour of NASA's 50th anniversary, Prof. Hawking theorised on the existence of extraterrestrial life: "Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare."[1] So this is his E=mc2 best quote, ever. --Florentino floro (talk) 08:35, 22 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 300 IQ

The article is locked - can someone fix the 300 IQ nonsense at the bottom of the page? AFAIK, his has been *estimated* at 160, but without an explicit test, even this does not really belong on the page. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.186.41.143 (talk) 00:03, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Comment

And probably improper, but I can't help wondering why the heck he does not have a Nobel yet!! Mysterious to me 134.4.61.136 (talk) 16:04, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

The Nobel Committee requires a person's theories to be proved prior to winning the Nobel Prize. Luckily CERN could prove most of Hawking's theories true by the end of the year, so who knows perhaps 2009 will be his year. --99.254.176.37 (talk) 18:37, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

No disrepect to Hawking, but as Bill Bryson notes, longevity is pretty much a requisite for getting a Nobel Prize. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jarry1250 (talk • contribs) 12:17, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Birth date signifigance

Excuse me, I do not have a Wikipedia acount and this page is locked, so I can not put this in myself. Can anyone who has an acount put this in for me? (this information comes from the Stephen Hawking website, www.hawking.org.uk)

Stephan hawking was born on the 300th aniversary of the death of the great astronomer, Galileo.

Thank You

--66.190.75.77 (talk) 19:49, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

Done--Andy mci (talk) 19:28, 16 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] References

  1. ^ ukpress.google, Primitive life 'likely elsewhere'