The Many Worlds Theory of Quantum Mechanics | David Wallace
Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Intro
This chapter examines the many worlds theory in quantum mechanics, highlighting its complexities and common misconceptions. A philosopher of physics clarifies the principles of the Everettian interpretation, exploring its implications for understanding reality through core topics like the Born rule and the nature of time.
Philosopher of physics David Wallace breaks down the Everett (Many-Worlds) interpretation of quantum mechanics in today's episode. We discuss the big misconceptions in physics and explore probability, emergence, and personal identity across multiple worlds. Wallace also touches on the Born Rule, the direction of time, and why consciousness may not be as mysterious as it seems. This is a mind-bending tour through the foundations of reality. Enjoy. Thank you. Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code theoriesofeverything at https://huel.com/theoriesofeverything . Fuel your best performance with Huel today! As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe David Wallace links: • The Emergent Multiverse (book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0198707541 • David Wallace’s published papers: https://philpeople.org/profiles/david-wallace/publications • Stating Structural Realism (paper): https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/20048/1/semantic.pdf • David’s reading resources: https://sites.pitt.edu/~dmw121/resources.html • The Quantization of Gravity (paper): https://arxiv.org/pdf/gr-qc/0004005 • Ted Jacobson discusses entropy on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mhctWlXyV8 • Curt debunks the “all possible paths” myth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcY3ZtgYis0 • Julian Barbour discusses time on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-bImnQ9cmw • TOE’s String Theory Iceberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4PdPnQuwjY • Bryce DeWitt’s published papers: https://journals.aps.org/search/results?clauses=%5B%7B%22operator%22%3A%22AND%22%2C%22field%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22Bryce+S+DeWitt%22%7D%5D • Carlo Rovelli discusses loop quantum gravity on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF4SAketEHY • Avshalom Elitzur discusses spacetime on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWRAaimQT1E • Sean Carroll discusses the physics community on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AoRxtYZrZo • Ruth Kastner discusses retrocausality on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BsHh3_vCMQ • Simon Saunders’s talk on Many Worlds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gM-sgmCUik • Jacob Barandes discusses quantum mechanics on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oWip00iXbo • Jacob Barandes discusses philosophy in physics on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaS1usLeXQM Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e SUPPORT: - Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join - Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal - Support me on Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9 - Support me on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4 Timestamps: 00:00 Misconceptions About Physics 01:27 Simplicity in Physics 4:48 Understanding Quantum Mechanics 7:27 Mysteries of Large-Scale Physics 9:53 The Nature of Time 13:19 Boundary Conditions in Physics 15:04 Models of Physics 16:56 Canonical vs Covariant Quantization 21:10 Theories of Gravity 28:22 Everettian Quantum Mechanics 30:11 Misconceptions in Many Worlds Theory 47:52 Decision Theory in Quantum Mechanics 57:58 The Deutsch-Wallace Theorem 1:14:47 The Nature of Fundamental Physics 1:18:40 Personal Identity in Many Worlds 1:27:14 Exploring Emergence 1:33:19 Thoughts on Consciousness 1:35:09 Disagreements with David Deutsch 1:39:18 Understanding Real Patterns 1:54:02 The Relevance-Limiting Thesis 2:00:54 Advice for Young Researchers
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