Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 167 | Chiara Marletto on Constructor Theory, Physics, and Possibility
Oct 4, 2021
Chiara Marletto, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, delves into constructor theory, offering a fresh perspective on physics that prioritizes possibilities over traditional laws. She discusses its implications for understanding quantum gravity and thermodynamics. The conversation also covers the vital role of conservation laws, the complexities of irreversibility, and how information theory intersects with physics. Marletto's insights challenge conventional thinking, emphasizing how reframing our understanding could unlock new scientific pathways.
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Constructor Theory Paradigm
- Constructor theory suggests focusing on what can and cannot happen in physics.
- This contrasts with the traditional approach of defining initial conditions and evolving them with dynamical laws.
Constructor Theory's Origins and Goals
- Chiara Marletto was initially drawn to constructor theory by its potential as a generalization of quantum theory of computation.
- Her focus has been finding tractable, open problems where this approach can make a difference.
Generalizing Quantum Computation
- Standard quantum theory of computation relies heavily on non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
- Constructor theory aims to generalize these results, making them independent of specific quantum formalisms.
