Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

David Albert: Einstein Was Right About Quantum Mechanics! [Ep. 433]

Jun 28, 2024

Join David Z. Albert, a prominent philosopher and physicist, as he delves into the truth about quantum mechanics, Einstein's influence, and the ongoing feud between physicists and philosophers. Topics include the experimental minimum, the past hypothesis, other universes' logic, Popper's falsification criteria, and the interplay of physics and narratives. Tune in for existential questions and more!

01:29:49

Episode guests

David Z. Albert

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Physics guides metaphysics in understanding the subatomic world.

Past hypothesis reveals constraints shaping time's direction.

Quantum mechanics challenges classical logic with alternate forms.

Deep dives

Introduction of David Albert and His Controversial Proposal

David Albert, a well-known philosopher and physicist, discusses his controversial proposal in the field of quantum mechanics. He challenges the belief that a realistic account of the subatomic world is unattainable and argues for the importance of physics guiding metaphysics. Albert emphasizes the significance of developments that refute earlier claims and aims to reintroduce the idea of a realistic understanding of the micro-world.

Intro

2min

Revisiting Realism in Quantum Mechanics

17min

Exploring the Influence of Philosophical Reflections on Physics Through Historical Figures

5min

Physics, Philosophy, and the Arrow of Time

30min

Exploration of Falsifiability in Science and the Influence of Popper's Ideas

4min

Exploring Falsifiability and Scientific Progress

5min

Philosophical Perspectives on Falsification in Science

4min

Exploring Cognitive Instability in Scientific Theories and the Concept of Boltzmann Brains

5min

Exploring Quantum Mechanics, Multiverse Theory, and Philosophical Critiques

16min

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Could physics serve as our best guide to metaphysics? What fundamental metaphysics is best motivated by quantum mechanics? And what’s the deal with the age-old feud between philosophers and physicists?

Here to shed light on all these questions and more is none other than David Z. Albert, professor of philosophy and director of the MA program in The Philosophical Foundations of Physics at Columbia University in New York. David is a prominent American philosopher and physicist widely recognized for his contributions to the philosophy of quantum mechanics and the foundations of physics. He has published four popular books and numerous articles on quantum mechanics.

In our stimulating conversation, we talked about his controversial PhD proposal, the truth about quantum mechanics, Einstein's affection for Ernst Mach, and who would win in a fight: a physicist or a philosopher?

Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:59 Judging a book by its cover
00:10:25 Department's opposition to David's PhD
00:19:09 Physics and philosophy
00:28:41 The experimental minimum
00:36:11 The past hypothesis
00:47:15 Other forms of logic in other universes
00:53:47 Popper’s falsification criteria
01:03:59 Physics and narrative
01:06:11 Audience questions
01:22:26 Existential questions
01:26:43 Outro

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➡️ Learn more about David Z. Albert:

💻 Closer to Truth: https://closertotruth.com/contributor/david-albert/

📚 The Wave Function by David Z. Albert: https://a.co/d/hNiphE8

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