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265 - Jacob Barandes: A New Foundation for Quantum Mechanics

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Dec 7, 2025

Guest

Jacob Barandes

Jacob Barandes, Senior Preceptor in Physics at Harvard, dives deep into the philosophy of quantum mechanics and its foundations. He emphasizes the vital link between history, mathematics, and physics, arguing for a more interdisciplinary approach. Jacob presents his 'Indivisibility' concept to address major puzzles in quantum physics. They discuss the measurement problem versus black hole experiments, the limitations of the Standard Model, and how innovative theories like Bohmian mechanics and stochastic laws might reshape our understanding of quantum reality.

03:14:17

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INSIGHT

Mathematics As A Constructed Language

Jacob Barandes views mathematics as a precise language constructed to capture patterns in nature rather than a mystical realm we access.
He argues mathematics succeeds partly because we designed it to model natural regularities and to enable rigorous arguments.

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ANECDOTE

Meeting Achille Varzi And The Paper Horse

Jacob Barandes recounts meeting Achille Varzi at Columbia where Varzi used a cut-out paper horse to probe the parthood concept.
He remembers Varzi telling a philosophy joke about aliens answering the best possible question, which he still enjoys.

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ADVICE

Use History And Philosophy As Research Tools

Study the history of physics to avoid reinventing the wheel and to scaffold new discoveries on prior work.
Engage with philosophy to clarify assumptions, definitions, and hidden gaps that block progress in physics.

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Why Jacob Studied Physics, Math, Philosophy

00:44 • 8min

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How Math Functions as Language for Physics

Importance of History and Scrutiny in Physics

15:30 • 10min

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Laws of Nature and Their Philosophical Origins

25:10 • 3min

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Meriology, Holes, and Philosophical Jokes

28:35 • 9min

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Etymology and the Word 'Matrix'

37:27 • 4min

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Why Study Physics History and Cross-Discipline Work

41:46 • 11min

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Limits of the Standard Model and Open Problems

53:08 • 8min

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Why Quantum Foundations Matter for Progress

01:00:40 • 3min

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Measurement Problem Versus Black Hole Experiments

01:03:56 • 4min

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Overview: Roadmap to Quantum Foundations

01:07:47 • 1min

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Constructive Theories: Ingredients of Physical Models

01:08:54 • 8min

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Classical Physics: Myriological Structure Explained

01:16:50 • 15min

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Markovianity, Velocities, and Hamiltonian Formulation

01:32:17 • 8min

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Early Quantum Theory: Failures and New Approaches

01:39:57 • 19min

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Dirac–von Neumann Axioms and the Measurement Axiom

01:59:01 • 8min

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Decoherence: What It Does and Doesn't Solve

02:06:51 • 17min

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Four Core Problems in Quantum Foundations

02:23:33 • 11min

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Bohmian Mechanics: Strengths and Generalization Issues

02:34:17 • 2min

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Everett (Many-Worlds): Branching and Probability Problems

02:35:56 • 15min

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Extending Stochastic Laws Across Physics

02:51:08 • 4min

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Indivisibility: Non‑Markov Classical Stochastic Models Match Quantum

02:55:37 • 8min

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Implications and Open Questions for Indivisibility

03:03:34 • 2min

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What Might the Fundamental Ontology Be?

'The Sand Reckoner' by Archimedes is an expository work where he attempts to calculate the number of grains of sand that could fill the universe. In this treatise, Archimedes devised a system for expressing very large numbers, as the Greek language lacked words for quantities beyond a myriad (10,000). He estimated the universe's size using a heliocentric model borrowed from Aristarchus, requiring him to expand the numerical system to handle such vast scales. Archimedes' innovative approach laid the groundwork for scientific notation, showcasing his mathematical ingenuity. The work not only demonstrates his mathematical prowess but also provides insight into ancient cosmological understanding.

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• Mentioned in 7 episodes

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.

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• Mentioned in 5 episodes

Quantum Theory

Bernard d'Espagnat

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• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics

John von Neumann

This book, originally published in German in 1932 and translated into English in 1955, is a seminal work in the development of quantum theory. John von Neumann presents a rigorous mathematical treatment of quantum mechanics, focusing on the theory of Hermitean operators and Hilbert spaces. He addresses key issues such as quantum statistical mechanics, measurement processes, and the transformation theory, which he regards as the definitive form of quantum mechanics. The book is considered a tour de force and remains indispensable for those interested in the fundamental issues of quantum mechanics.

#4447

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

Holes

Louis Sachar

The novel follows Stanley Yelnats IV, who is wrongly accused of stealing a pair of sneakers and sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center in the Texas desert. At the camp, boys are forced to dig holes as a form of character-building. Stanley befriends Zero, and together they unravel the mysteries of the camp, including a curse that has plagued Stanley's family for generations. The story intertwines three separate narratives that eventually converge, exploring themes of justice, friendship, and resilience.

#2611

• Mentioned in 14 episodes

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.

Jacob Barandes is Senior Preceptor in Physics at Harvard University, where he works widely across the philosophy of physics, with focuses on the foundations of quantum mechanics, the philosophy of spacetime, and the metaphysics of laws. In this episode, Robinson and Jacob focus on the foundations of quantum mechanics. They discuss the importance of history and philosophy in the same, its connections to mathematics, many of the biggest puzzles in quantum physics, and Jacob’s new approach to the foundations, which he refers to as the “Indivisibility” approach.

Jacob's Website: https://www.jacobbarandes.com

OUTLINE

00:00 Mathematics, Nature, and Physics

07:55 The Deep Link Between Math and Physics CLIP

15:21 Scrutinizing the History and Philosophy of Physics

28:11 A Digression on Achille Varzi

36:53 The Etymology of “Matrix”

41:17 Learning from the History of Physics

52:38 Why Does Quantum Mechanics Need New Foundations?

59:04 Does Quantum Gravity Need New Quantum Foundations?

01;08:26 What Is a Constructive Physical Theory?

01:32:31 Markov Laws and Determinism

01:45:30 The Wave Function

02:06:53 Inconsistencies in Quantum Mechanics

02:12:20 What Is Quantum Decoherence?

02:23:10 The Biggest Problems in Quantum Foundations?

02:33:49 Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

02:38:57 Quantum Mechanics, Many Worlds, and the Problem of Induction

02:50:05 The Indivisibility Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

03:04:42 What Are the Fundamentalia of the Universe?

Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

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