Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Tim Maudlin on Quantum Realism, Bell's Theorem, Pilot Wave, and Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Oct 11, 2022

Tim Maudlin, a Professor at NYU and expert in quantum realism, dives deep into the metaphysical aspects of quantum mechanics. He explores the philosophical implications of Bell's theorem, challenging our understanding of non-locality. The discussion also touches on the relationship between mathematics and physics, questioning the foundations of reality itself. Maudlin critiques various interpretations of quantum mechanics, advocating for a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of time and existence, while introducing listeners to the complexity of quantum theories.

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INSIGHT

Freedom in Research

Tim Maudlin enjoys freedom in exploring diverse fields like physics, semantics, and consciousness.
His recent focus is on discrete geometry, finding relativity emerging from unrelativistic foundations.

INSIGHT

Numbers in Physics

Maudlin dislikes numbers in physics and aims to remove them, inspired by ancient Greek math's focus on geometry.
He questions the inherent numerical structure of the world, unlike its natural geometric structure.

ANECDOTE

Ancient Greek Numbers

Ancient Greeks viewed numbers starting from two, reflected in how we discuss quantities.
Saying "a number of pets" implies more than one, highlighting the linguistic peculiarity of "one".

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Quantum non-locality and relativity

Tim Maudlin

In 'Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity', Tim Maudlin provides a lucid exposition of the conflict between quantum mechanics and special relativity. He delves into the nature of entangled systems and the challenges they pose to our understanding of space and time. Maudlin discusses various attempts to reconcile these theories, including Lorentz invariant quantum theories, and evaluates their philosophical implications.

Mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics

John von Neumann

This book, originally published in German in 1932 and translated into English in 1955, is a seminal work in the development of quantum theory. John von Neumann presents a rigorous mathematical treatment of quantum mechanics, focusing on the theory of Hermitean operators and Hilbert spaces. He addresses key issues such as quantum statistical mechanics, measurement processes, and the transformation theory, which he regards as the definitive form of quantum mechanics. The book is considered a tour de force and remains indispensable for those interested in the fundamental issues of quantum mechanics.

The Book of Why

The New Science of Cause and Effect

Mel Foster

Dana Mackenzie Judea Pearl

Dana Mackenzie

Judea Pearl

In 'The Book of Why', Judea Pearl and Dana Mackenzie delve into the causal revolution, which has transformed the way we distinguish between correlation and causation. The book introduces causal diagrams, such as Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs), and explains how to predict the effects of interventions. It addresses fundamental questions about causality and its implications in fields like medicine, economics, and artificial intelligence. The authors also discuss the potential of causal inference in enabling computers to understand counterfactuals and engage in moral decision-making[2][4][5].

Quantum Mechanics and Experience

David Albert

Quantum Mechanics and Experience is a thought-provoking book that delves into the major interpretation issues in quantum mechanics, discussing concepts like superposition, non-locality, and various interpretations such as Everett's many worlds and Bohm's hidden variable theory. Albert's philosophical approach challenges readers to rethink their understanding of reality and the implications of quantum mechanics on our everyday experiences.

Mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics

John von Neumann

Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics

John Bell

The Mathematics of Plato's Academy

A New Reconstruction

David Fowler

This book explores the mathematical concepts and methods that were likely developed or discussed within Plato's Academy, focusing on figures like Theaetetus and Eudoxus. It provides a new reconstruction of early Greek mathematics, challenging some common interpretations of ancient mathematical practices.