Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Can the Future Influence the Past? Retrocausality in Quantum Theory | Ruth Kastner

Feb 7, 2025

Ruth Kastner, a physicist turned philosopher known for her work on the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics, explores fascinating ideas around retrocausality and the measurement problem. She advocates for a paradigm shift in physics, encouraging a deeper understanding of quantum phenomena. The discussion dives into the distinctions between observers and measurers, the role of consciousness in measurements, and the potential for retrocausality to reshape our perception of time. Kastner also critiques traditional views and calls for more nuanced thinking in scientific inquiry.

02:20:49

Episode guests

Ruth Kastner

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Quick takeaways

Ruth Kastner's transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics suggests that measurements arise from interactive wave function transactions, altering traditional views of quantum events.

The podcast highlights the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, with TI offering a more coherent understanding of measurement through fundamental quantum interactions.

Kastner explores retrocausality, proposing that future events can influence past occurrences, thereby challenging conventional notions of causation and time.

The transactional interpretation advocates for a unified understanding of classical and quantum realms, allowing for deeper inquiries into the nature of reality and consciousness.

Deep dives

Transactional Interpretation Overview

The transactional interpretation (TI) posits that quantum events happen through a handshake between offer and confirmation waves, fundamentally changing the understanding of quantum measurement. Rather than viewing quantum states as mere probabilities, TI suggests that states represent physical possibilities that can become actualized through interactions between systems. This approach addresses the measurement problem by allowing for a clear distinction between an interaction that yields an outcome and those that do not trigger measurements. Notably, Ruth Kastner argues that by viewing quantum mechanics through the lens of TI, one can reconcile its principles with the frameworks of general relativity.

Intro

2min

Unraveling the Measurement Problem

14min

Quantum Mechanics: Observers vs. Measurers and the Nature of Reality

5min

Probabilistic Measurements in Quantum Theory

8min

Exploring Retrocausality and Wave Dynamics in Quantum Theory

2min

Beyond Space-Time: Quantum Realities Unveiled

13min

Independent Scholarship and Quantum Innovations

16min

Metaphors for Understanding Emergence and Space-Time

3min

Quantum Interpretations and Time

19min

10.

Exploring Non-Locality in Quantum Theory

13min

11.

Consciousness and Free Will in Quantum Physics

21min

12.

Unraveling Quantum Mysteries

12min

13.

Acknowledgment and Engagement: Community Support and New Initiatives

4min

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Ruth Kastner joins Curt Jaimungal to discuss her transactional interpretation (TI) of quantum mechanics, addressing the measurement problem, retrocausality, and the integration of quantum mechanics and gravity. Kastner advocates for a paradigm shift in physics, urging researchers to embrace complexity and nuance in understanding quantum phenomena and reality.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:40 The Measurement Problem Unraveled

09:17 Understanding Measurement Interaction

11:27 Exploring Feynman Diagrams

16:25 Observers vs. Measurers

20:58 The Nature of Measurement

22:19 Probabilistic Outcomes Explained

28:52 Emission and Absorption Defined

34:40 Entities and Their Reality

38:03 The Emergence of Space-Time

41:14 Distinguishing Theories and Anomalies

42:56 The Challenges of Independent Scholarship

46:23 Defining the Conventional Approach

48:33 Formulating the Transactional Axioms

50:34 Kramer's Perspective on Transactional Theory

1:07:22 Retrocausality and Block World Dynamics

1:07:43 Science Fiction and Time Travel

1:14:04 Emergence of Space-Time Events

1:27:23 Weak and Strong Forces

1:36:10 Transition from Physics to Philosophy

1:39:53 The Nature of Free Will

1:45:36 Consciousness and Physicalism

1:54:51 Challenges to Materialism

2:05:47 Advice for Future Generations

2:07:41 Conclusion and Acknowledgments

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#science #time #quantumphysics

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