Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

"There is No Quantum Multiverse" | Jacob Barandes

Feb 18, 2025

Jacob Barandes, a theoretical physicist at Harvard, dives into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics. He challenges traditional notions of wave-particle duality and introduces his innovative approach using indivisible stochastic processes. The dialogue explores historical perspectives from luminaries like Schrödinger and Einstein, while also tackling the limitations of conventional quantum theories. Barandes rethinks quantum entanglement and causation, advocating for fresh interpretations to address the complexities of our universe.

02:54:41

Episode guests

Jacob Barandes

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast discusses wave-particle duality, revealing that particles exhibit context-dependent behavior rather than simultaneously being waves and particles.

Einstein's skepticism regarding wave function realism highlights significant historical controversies in the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

The complexities of unifying gravity and quantum mechanics underscore the ongoing challenges faced within theoretical physics and its models.

Jacob Barandes introduces indivisible stochastic processes as an innovative framework, reformulating quantum mechanics based on fundamental randomness instead of traditional wave functions.

The discussion emphasizes the unique nature of entanglement, where the states of interconnected particles are fundamentally linked, irrespective of their distance apart.

The podcast critiques the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, drawing attention to its vagueness and lack of empirical testability, pushing for new theoretical approaches.

Deep dives

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

The podcast begins by discussing the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, particularly the wave-particle duality introduced by Schrodinger. This concept asserts that entities such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on the conditions of observation. The discussion delves into Einstein's skepticism regarding wave function realism, emphasizing the controversy surrounding Schrodinger's interpretation. This sets the stage for understanding the complexities of quantum mechanics and the perspectives of different physicists on foundational questions.

Intro

2min

The Evolution of Schrödinger's Wave Function

15min

Challenges in Quantum Field Theory

6min

Unraveling Quantum Mysteries

6min

Exploring Quantum Uncertainty and Spacetime

27min

Exploring the Intersection of General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

4min

Unraveling Quantum Entanglement

20min

Causation in Quantum Mechanics

21min

Indivisible Stochastic Dynamics and Entanglement

10min

10.

Exploring Quantum Probabilities and Interpretations

23min

11.

Reevaluating Quantum Interpretations

25min

12.

Embracing Unique Strengths

7min

13.

The Power of Kindness and Reputation in Academia

3min

14.

Engaging Students and Expanding Content Horizons

3min

In this episode, Curt Jaimungal speaks with Jacob Barandes, a theoretical physicist from Harvard, about the complexities of quantum mechanics. They explore wave-particle duality, Jacob's reformulation of quantum theory through indivisible stochastic processes, and the historical perspectives of figures like Schrödinger and Einstein.

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Links Mentioned:

•⁠ ⁠Watch Part 1 of this conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaS1usLeXQM

•⁠ ⁠Jacob’s talks covering many of his points in this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@JacobBarandesPhilOfPhysics

•⁠ ⁠Jacob’s first appearance on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oWip00iXbo

•⁠ ⁠New Prospects for a Causally Local Formulation of Quantum Theory (Jacob’s paper): https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.16935

•⁠ ⁠The Stochastic-Quantum Correspondence (Jacob’s paper): https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.10778

•⁠ ⁠Schrodinger’s wave function paper (1926): https://github.com/yousbot/Quantum-Papers/blob/master/1926%20-%20E.%20Schrodinger%2C%20An%20Undulatory%20Theory%20of%20the%20Mechanics%20of%20Atoms%20and%20Molecules.pdf

•⁠ ⁠The Born-Einstein Letters (book): https://www.amazon.com/Born-Einstein-Letters-1916-1955-Friendship-Uncertain/dp/1403944962/

•⁠ ⁠Probability Relations Between Separated Systems (paper) : https://www.informationphilosopher.com/solutions/scientists/schrodinger/Schrodinger-1936.pdf

•⁠ ⁠John Bell on Bertlemann’s socks (paper): https://cds.cern.ch/record/142461/files/198009299.pdf

•⁠ ⁠John Bell on the Einstein Podolsky Rosen paradox (paper): https://journals.aps.org/ppf/pdf/10.1103/PhysicsPhysiqueFizika.1.195

•⁠ ⁠Can Quantum-Mechanical Description of Physical Reality Be Considered Complete’? (paper): https://journals.aps.org/pr/pdf/10.1103/PhysRev.47.777

•⁠ ⁠Causation as Folk Science (paper): https://sites.pitt.edu/~jdnorton/papers/003004.pdf

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

06:01 Wave-Particle Duality Explained

08:44 Distinctions Between Waves

10:36 Quantum Field Theory Insights

15:10 Research Directions in Quantum Physics

24:27 Challenges in Quantum Field Theory

31:38 Quantum Mechanics vs. General Relativity

35:47 Fluctuations in Spacetime

45:09 Probabilistic General Relativity

54:00 Bell's Theorem and Non-Locality

1:20:48 The Nature of Causation in Physics

1:23:52 Causation in Modern Science

1:30:26 Reichenbachian Factorization Debates

1:31:44 Bell's Theorem Evolution

1:35:45 Indivisible Stochastic Approach

1:38:17 Understanding Entanglement

1:42:28 Information and Black Holes

1:45:44 Phase Information Loss

1:49:03 Heisenberg and Copenhagen Interpretation

1:52:29 The Nature of Electrons

1:53:09 Exploring Open Research Questions

1:59:09 Probabilities in Statistical Mechanics

2:11:30 Problems with Many Worlds Interpretation

2:27:42 Challenges of Probability in Many Worlds

2:35:14 The Case for a New Interpretation

2:43:11 Building a Collaborative Reputation

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#science #quantummechanics #quantumphysics #physics

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