Theoretical physicist Sean Carroll gave a brilliant, well spoken lecture at The Amaz!ng Meeting 2012, using science to explore the nature of the universe and humanity.

Carroll explained that the universe obeys natural laws that are most accurately described by quantum field theory. QFT says that there are three forces in nature that affect the macroscopic world: gravity, electromagnetism, and the nuclear force(s). Carroll also shows that other possible forces can be predicted using QFT’s equations. However, all of the possible predicted forces significant enough to affect the macroscopic domain have been shown to not exist.

QFT accounts for all forces on the macroscopic scale, therefore claims of additional forces that affect the macroscopic domain are false if we accept quantum field theory. So for example, someone claiming to be able to bend spoons using telekinetic forces would be incorrect, because all the macroscopic forces have already been accounted for – there can be no telekinetic force.

Sean Caroll’s full lecture at The Amaz!ng Meeting 2012 is provided by the James Randi Educational Foundation, and can be viewed below: