StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson Physics & Philosophy with Sean Carroll
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Jun 5, 2026 
Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist and philosopher known for work on quantum mechanics and cosmology, joins to bridge physics and philosophy. He discusses whether physics should seek understanding or just predict. He explains entanglement and many-worlds. He explores the arrow of time, testing cosmological ideas, and why there might be something rather than nothing.
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Natural Philosophy Explains Physics' Deep Questions
- Quantum physics raises foundational questions that blur disciplinary lines between physics and philosophy.
- Sean Carroll argues 'natural philosophy' studies reality's foundations like observers, infinity, and emergence where physics and philosophy overlap.
Many Worlds Makes Measurement A Branching Process
- The Many Worlds interpretation removes special measurement rules by having every possible outcome occur in different branches.
- Carroll describes measurement as branching the quantum universe so all outcomes happen in noninteracting parallel worlds.
Arrow Of Time From Local Low Entropy Births
- The arrow of time arises from low-entropy initial conditions, not from fundamental time-asymmetric laws.
- Carroll and Jennifer Chen propose an eternal universe where local low-entropy Big Bangs form via quantum fluctuations in empty de Sitter-like space.
