Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

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Carlo Rovelli on Consciousness, the Illusion of Time, Loop Quantum Gravity, & Philosophy of Relational Quantum Mechanics

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Dec 17, 2021

Guest

Carlo Rovelli

Carlo Rovelli, a leading theoretical physicist renowned for his work on loop quantum gravity, dives deep into the mysteries of consciousness, time, and quantum mechanics. He discusses the relational interpretation of quantum mechanics, suggesting that relationships, not objects, are fundamental to understanding reality. Rovelli explores how time can be seen as probabilistic rather than linear, intertwining scientific principles with philosophical inquiries. He also reflects on the ethical dimensions of consciousness and the captivating realm of psychedelic experiences.

04:06:10

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insights

INSIGHT

Relational Quantum Mechanics

In relational quantum mechanics, quantum states are relative, describing a system's properties only upon interaction with another system.
This resolves inconsistencies by applying different postulates based on interaction, implying relative properties, not absolute ones.

insights

INSIGHT

Relations as Fundamental

Relationships are fundamental in quantum mechanics, defining system properties through interactions.
Carlo Rovelli suggests that systems possess no inherent properties, only relational ones arising from interactions.

insights

INSIGHT

Lack of Philosophical Thinking in Modern Physics

Carlo Rovelli believes that modern physicists often neglect philosophical thinking, unlike past scientists like Einstein and Schrödinger.
He feels that over-reliance on mathematical modeling without conceptual understanding limits physics.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Fundamental Nature of Relationships and Time in Quantum Mechanics

01:57 • 4min

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Relational Quantum Mechanics: A New Perspective

06:16 • 13min

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The Relational Nature of Quantum Mechanics

18:57 • 28min

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The Intersection of Mathematics and Physics: Influence and Innovation

46:31 • 3min

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Navigating the Cosmos: The Relational Paradigm

49:08 • 34min

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Exploring Pragmatism and the Nature of Time

01:22:40 • 8min

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Exploring Identity and Quantum Concepts through Eastern Philosophy

01:30:11 • 2min

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Unraveling the Nature of Time

01:32:18 • 30min

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Entropy, Quantum Mechanics, and The Janus Point

02:02:04 • 7min

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Evolving Scientific Paradigms: From Tradition to Modern Physics

02:09:30 • 3min

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Quantum Quandaries: Time and Interpretation

02:12:33 • 10min

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Perception vs. Reality

02:22:31 • 25min

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Unpacking the Complexity of Reality: Contexts and Miscommunication

02:47:39 • 5min

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Unraveling the Black Hole Paradox

02:53:08 • 13min

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Consciousness and Reality: A Philosophical Exploration

03:05:55 • 26min

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Exploring Consciousness: The Philosophical Dilemmas of Suffering

03:31:26 • 3min

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Psychedelics and the Nature of Reality

03:34:13 • 18min

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Exploring Contrasting Views on Quantum Gravity and Space-Time

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The Trouble With Physics

Lee Smolin

In 'The Trouble with Physics', Lee Smolin critiques the current state of theoretical physics, particularly the dominance of string theory, which he argues lacks testable predictions and has become overly influential in the field. Smolin advocates for a more diverse approach to physics, emphasizing the need for theories that can be experimentally verified. The book explores the history of physics and the challenges faced by researchers in areas like quantum gravity and unification theories.

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Conversations on Quantum Gravity

Jacob Armas

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Reality Is Not What It Seems

Carlo Rovelli

Reality Is Not What It Seems delves into the mysteries of modern physics, explaining complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. Carlo Rovelli explores the nature of time, space, and the universe, challenging our intuitive understanding of reality. The book weaves together scientific insights with philosophical reflections, offering a new perspective on our place in the cosmos. Rovelli's writing style is known for its clarity and poetic sensibility, making complex scientific ideas understandable to a broad audience. The book invites readers to contemplate the fundamental nature of reality and our relationship to the universe.

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Fear of a Black Universe

Stephon Alexander

In *Fear of a Black Universe*, Stephon Alexander argues that great physics requires thinking outside the mainstream and embracing intuition. He explores some of physics' greatest mysteries, from the Big Bang to consciousness, while advocating for a more diverse scientific community. The book combines physics, philosophy, and personal narrative to offer a unique perspective on the universe.

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The Case Against Reality

Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes

Donald Hoffman

In this book, Donald Hoffman challenges the notion that our senses report back objective reality. He argues that evolution has sculpted our minds for fitness, not to accurately represent reality, leading to a mismatch between our perceptions and the true nature of the world. Hoffman introduces the concept of 'Fitness Beats Truth' and uses analogies like the computer desktop to explain how our consciousness interacts with the world in a way that is useful but not necessarily reflective of underlying reality. He also proposes 'Conscious Realism,' suggesting that conscious agents create the perception of an objective reality, rather than the other way around.

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The master and his emissary

The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World

Iain McGilchrist

This book argues that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, allowing for two incompatible versions of the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity. McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from ancient to modern times. He argues that the increasing dominance of the left hemisphere in today’s world has potentially disastrous consequences.

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The Order of Time

Carlo Rovelli

In this book, Carlo Rovelli delves into the mysteries of time, combining physics, philosophy, and art to explain how modern physics has transformed our understanding of time. The book is divided into sections that cover the theory of relativity, space-time, loop quantum gravity, and thermodynamics. Rovelli argues that at the most fundamental level, time disappears, and our perception of its flow is subjective and influenced by our brain and emotions. He uses metaphors and simple language to make complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.

In this episode Curt Jaimungal talks with Carlo Rovelli about consciousness, the illusion of time, and the relational interpretation of quantum mechanics, including its implications for loop quantum gravity. The conversation weaves philosophy and physics, challenging conventional views of reality and exploring the nature of the universe.

- 00:00:00 - Introduction
- 00:03:27 - The relational interpretation of quantum mechanics
- 00:12:29 - Consistency in the world
- 00:16:35 - Relationships vs things
- 00:24:05 - Visualizing relations
- 00:33:43 - Philosophy and physics
- 00:45:11 - Definition of the Universe
- 00:51:06 - Problems with the concept of Universe
- 00:56:00 - Many Worlds (Carlo's view)
- 01:00:40 - Mathematics alone insufficient
- 01:06:13 - Sun revolves around Earth analogy
- 01:08:45 - Ecumenical approach to Universe and religions
- 01:15:29 - Anti-foundationalism in philosophy
- 01:20:04 - Entropic/thermal time (illusion)
- 01:38:18 - Lee Smolin on time
- 01:48:26 - Julian Barbour's theory of time
- 01:56:00 - Thoughts on Wolfram's model
- 02:05:08 - Thoughts on Sean Carroll's Many Worlds
- 02:14:08 - Donald Hoffman and Eric Weinstein
- 02:22:04 - What is "real"? (Wittgenstein)
- 02:28:09 - Knowledge beyond awareness
- 02:32:25 - Philosophy as cure against wrong questions
- 02:43:11 - Information paradox analogy
- 02:50:23 - Learning math/physics with age
- 02:51:33 - Carlo's LQG hindsight
- 02:53:27 - [Stephon Alexander] Time in Quantum Gravity
- 02:55:48 - [Bernardo Kastrup] Relations and infinite regress
- 03:00:43 - Idealism vs Materialism
- 03:12:33 - Hard Problem of Consciousness as confusion
- 03:17:36 - Philosophical Babies vs Zombies
- 01:38:29 - [Nikhil Ns] Quantum principle of relativity
- 03:23:53 - [goodsirknight] Carlo's LSD experience influence on LQG
- 03:34:25 - [Aaron Heidari] Alfred North Whitehead
- 03:38:13 - No new ideas needed for quantum gravity

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RESOURCES:

- YouTube link: https://youtu.be/r_fUPbBNmBw
- The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli: https://amzn.to/3ISZYo7
- The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist: https://amzn.to/325VKso
- Stephon Alexander's "Fear of a Black Universe": https://amzn.to/3seSpTb
- Conversations on Quantum Gravity: https://amzn.to/3dXtafH
- Quantum principle of relativity: https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.02780
- Better Left Unsaid documentary: http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com

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