Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

"There is No Quantum Multiverse" | Jacob Barandes

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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.

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INSIGHT

Wave Function Realism Debate

Schrödinger's wave function, introduced in 1926, lives in high-dimensional configuration space.
Einstein and others criticized wave function realism, the idea that this wave function is physically real.

INSIGHT

Fermionic Fields vs. Wave Functions

Electrons, being fermions, have associated fields, but these are distinct from Schrödinger's wave function.
Confusing these concepts leads to misunderstandings of wave-particle duality.

INSIGHT

Advantages of Indivisible Stochastic Approach

Bohmian mechanics struggles with fields and relativity due to its reliance on fixed particle numbers and preferred foliation.
The indivisible stochastic approach avoids these issues by directly applying stochastic dynamics to degrees of freedom.

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The Born-Einstein letters

Max Born

Albert Einstein

This book comprises a 40-year correspondence between Albert Einstein and Max Born, along with contributions from Born's wife Hedwig. The letters span two world wars and cover a wide range of topics including debates on quantum mechanics, personal reflections on their families and lives, and discussions about the tumultuous political climate of their time. Despite their scientific disagreements, particularly on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the letters highlight the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Einstein and the Borns. The correspondence also touches on their shared love of music, their efforts to help refugee scientists, and their differing views on Germany during and after World War II.

The Emergent Multiverse

Quantum Theory according to the Everett Interpretation

David Wallace

The Emergent Multiverse presents a detailed and modern account of the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics. David Wallace argues that by taking quantum theory literally, the apparent paradoxes and weirdness of quantum mechanics are mitigated, and the theory can be seen as describing a world that constantly branches into multiple universes. The book addresses key challenges such as the ontological and probability problems associated with the Everett interpretation and provides a clear and accessible survey of the work in both physics and philosophy of science[2][3][4].

The Principles of Quantum Mechanics

Paul Dirac

This influential book, first published in 1930, provides a comprehensive and abstract treatment of quantum mechanics. Dirac introduces the subject using his 'symbolic method,' which focuses on the algebraic axioms and the connection between equations and physical conditions. The book is notable for its rigorous mathematical approach, starting with an entirely physical chapter and then delving into detailed mathematical formulations. It covers key topics such as the principle of superposition, transformation theory, and the application of group theory to quantum mechanics. The book is considered a landmark in the development of quantum theory and has been highly influential in the education of physicists[1][3][5].

Physics and philosophy

The Revolution in Modern Science

Werner Heisenberg

This book, based on Heisenberg's celebrated lecture series, delves into the fundamental changes brought about by quantum mechanics and relativity. Heisenberg discusses how words and concepts familiar in daily life lose their meaning in the context of these theories, leading to profound implications for our understanding of reality. The book covers topics such as the Uncertainty Principle, the nature of space and time, and the relationship between quantum mechanics and other sciences. It is written in a clear and non-technical style, making it accessible to readers without a deep background in physics[1][4][5].

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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