Reading Our Times What does Quantum Theory mean? In conversation with Paul Davies
Nov 25, 2025
Paul Davies, a Regents Professor of Physics and author of Quantum 2.0, dives deep into the mind-bending world of quantum theory. He explains how classical physics was challenged by quantum mechanics, unraveling topics like wave-particle duality and the enigmatic nature of measurement. Listen in as he discusses the bizarre implications of entanglement and even explores quantum's potential role in biology. As Davies speculates about quantum cosmology, he also ponders what all this means for our understanding of reality.
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Classical Objectivity Collapsed
- Classical physics assumed particles had definite properties independent of observation.
- Paul Davies explains quantum theory overturned that objectivity by making properties probe-dependent.
Waves Of Probability, Not Stuff
- Quantum entities have wave-like probability descriptions rather than literal waves of stuff.
- Davies uses a "crime wave" analogy to show waves indicate likelihoods, not physical sloshing.
Measurement Creates Quantum Facts
- Measurement doesn't reveal pre-existing quantum properties but brings them into being.
- Heisenberg's uncertainty ties which property manifests to the experimenter's choice.
