Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 236 | Thomas Hertog on Quantum Cosmology and Hawking's Final Theory
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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.
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Meeting Hawking
- Thomas Hertog explains how he became Stephen Hawking's collaborator.
- He achieved top scores, leading to an invitation to Hawking's office, filled with journalists.
Quantum Cosmology Origins
- Hawking's work with Jim Hartle on the wave function of the universe stemmed from his PhD work.
- The work showed the Big Bang as a singularity where Einstein's theory breaks down.
Wave Function of the Universe
- The wave function of the universe describes a superposition of many possible universes.
- It's an abstract concept going beyond a single particle's wave function.
