Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

236 | Thomas Hertog on Quantum Cosmology and Hawking's Final Theory

May 15, 2023

In this engaging conversation, Thomas Hertog, a theoretical physicist and collaborator of Stephen Hawking, explores the mysteries of quantum cosmology and the multiverse. They delve into Hawking's groundbreaking ideas, including the concept of imaginary time and its implications for the universe's origins. Hertog discusses the challenges of defining observers in a multiverse, the importance of philosophical perspectives in physics, and the innovative measures needed to understand cosmic structures. His insights blend complex theories with a captivating narrative about the nature of existence.

01:08:39

Episode guests

Thomas Hertog

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Quantum cosmology challenges traditional views by exploring quantum superposition of universes.

Holography reshapes cosmological understanding by redefining time and space.

Accessing diverse classical scenarios aligns with interpreting the universe through subjective cosmological narratives.

Deep dives

Emergence of Thomas Hertog as Stephen Hawking's Frequent Collaborator

Thomas Hertog recounts his unexpected entrance into Stephen Hawking's inner circle through a folklore tradition at Cambridge's Department of Applied Mathematics, where top performers got to discuss with Stephen. Hertog reflects on the unique experience of collaborating with Hawking, leveraging Hawking's evolving views on quantum cosmology and the universe's creation.

Intro

5min

Collaborating with Cosmic Minds

4min

Quantum Cosmology Unveiled

10min

Imaginary Time and Cosmic Inflation

24min

Exploring the Measure Problem in a Multiverse

3min

Evolution of Thought: Science, Philosophy, and the Observer

2min

Exploring the Multiverse and Holographic Cosmology

21min

Is there a multiverse, and if so, how should we think of ourselves within it? In many modern cosmological models, the universe includes more than one realm, with possibly different laws of physics, and these realms may or may not include intelligent observers. There is a longstanding puzzle about how, in such a scenario, we should calculate what we, as presumably intelligent observers ourselves, should expect to see. Today's guest, Thomas Hertog, is a physicist and longstanding collaborator of Stephen Hawking. They worked together (often with James Hartle) to address these questions, and the work is still ongoing.

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Thomas Hertog received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cambridge. He is currently a professor of theoretical physics at KU Leuven. His new book is On the Origin of Time: Stephen Hawking's Final Theory.

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