Chiara Marletto, a theoretical physicist, discusses Constructor Theory, a groundbreaking approach in physics that focuses on possibilities and impossibilities. She explores its applications in information theory, thermodynamics, and the fundamental understanding of life. Her insights blend deep scientific knowledge with a philosophical perspective on discovery and the pursuit of knowledge.

Physicist Chiara Marletto discusses her journey in quantum theory and information. Topics include: finding Everett, the power of quantum information, the universe as information, the Simulation Hypothesis, the second law of thermodynamics, the AI Apocalypse, passionate knowledge, the Fine Tuning Problem, constructor theoretic knowledge, and experimental testing of quantum gravity.

In this engaging discussion, Chiara Marletto, a Professor at Oxford University specializing in Constructor Theory, teams up with fellow Oxford professor Vlatko Vedral, known for his work in quantum information. They dive into experimental proposals that could reveal the quantum nature of gravity, potentially upending Einstein's theories. The conversation covers gravitationally induced entanglement, the complexities of merging quantum mechanics with gravity, and the future of funding in fundamental physics research. It's a thrilling insight into the frontier of modern physics!

Chiara Marletto, author of 'The Science of Can and Can't,' discusses Constructor Theory, a departure from traditional physics, focusing on counterfactuals and epistemology. The podcast explores genetic resilience in DNA, mutations' role in adaptation, and the evolution of knowledge. It delves into the significance of counterfactuals in science and the transition to constructor theory in physics.

Traditional physics works within the “Laplacian paradigm”: you give me the state of the universe (or some closed system), some equations of motion, then I use those equations to evolve the system through time. Constructor theory proposes an alternative paradigm: to think of physical systems in terms of counterfactuals — the set of rules governing what can and cannot happen. Originally proposed by David Deutsch, constructor theory has been developed by today’s guest, Chiara Marletto, and others. It might shed new light on quantum gravity and fundamental physics, as well as having applications to higher-level processes of thermodynamics and biology.Support Mindscape on Patreon.Chiara Marletto received her DPhil in physics from the University of Oxford. She is currently a research fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford. Her new book is The Science of Can and Can’t: A Physicist’s Journey Through the Land of Counterfactuals.Web siteOxford web pageGoogle Scholar publicationsWikipedia“How to Rewrite the Laws of Physics in the Language of Impossibility,” QuantaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.