TED-ED: The origin of countless conspiracy theories - PatrickJMT

The video explores the concept of finding patterns in texts and the myth of prophetic messages, using Herman Melville's work as an example. It introduces Ramsey theory, which explains why patterns emerge in large sets, and illustrates this with the party problem. The complexity of finding specific patterns is discussed, highlighting the vast possibilities in large sets. The video concludes by examining patterns in the universe and our tendency to find meaning, emphasizing that these patterns often originate in our minds.

What does Ramsey theory help explain about patterns?

• It shows that patterns are always random.

• It proves that all texts contain hidden messages.

• It predicts future events accurately.

• It guarantees the emergence of patterns given enough elements.

In the party problem, what is the minimum number of guests needed to ensure a group of three people either all know each other or none do?

• Six

• Five

• Seven

• Four

Why is it difficult to find the minimum size of a party where five people all know each other or all don't?

• Because it involves complex mathematical equations.

• Because five is too small a number.

• Due to the vast number of possible configurations.

• Because it requires knowing every guest personally.

What does the example of stars forming shapes in the sky illustrate?

• Only astronomers can identify patterns in the stars.

• Stars are randomly scattered without any patterns.

• Humans can find familiar shapes due to the vast number of stars.

• Stars are arranged in specific patterns by nature.

What does T.S. Motzkin's remark about disorder suggest?

• Disorder is always more probable than order.

• Disorder and order are equally probable.

• Complete disorder is common in the universe.

• Complete disorder is impossible due to the universe's size.