The DemystifySci Podcast

Physics’ Deepest Mystery - Dr. Emily Adlam, DemystifySci #374

19 snips
Oct 23, 2025
Dr. Emily Adlam, a philosopher of physics and researcher at Chapman University, dives into the perplexing measurement problem in quantum physics. She illuminates the controversy surrounding wavefunction collapse and the Many-Worlds interpretation, questioning our understanding of probability and empirical evidence. Adlam explores observer-dependent views and the complexities of communication in scientific practice. With a focus on how quantum concepts impact culture and the future of research, she challenges listeners to rethink the foundations of reality.
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INSIGHT

Two Conflicting Quantum Processes

  • Quantum mechanics presents two fundamentally different processes: unitary evolution and wavefunction collapse, which clash conceptually.
  • This duality forces questions about what counts as a measurement and whether our observation methods are reliable for science.
INSIGHT

Probability Problem In Many-Worlds

  • The Everett (Many-Worlds) interpretation removes collapse by keeping all branches, but then must explain probability meaningfully.
  • Emily Adlam argues that if all outcomes occur, empirical confirmation of quantum mechanics is undermined.
INSIGHT

Risk Of Relativizing Facts To Observers

  • Observer-dependent interpretations relativize facts to observers, threatening shared facts and scientific communication.
  • Adlam stresses this undermines how scientists justify that others observe consistent regularities.
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