Robinson's Podcast cover image

189 - David Albert & Barry Loewer: The Mentaculus (Or, a Probability Map of the Universe)

Robinson's Podcast

NOTE

Understanding the Measurement Problem in Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics, as conventionally presented, fails to explain how specific outcomes manifest in the physical world during measurement processes, as it yields a superposition of possible outcomes instead of the observed singular result. This discrepancy has led to various proposed solutions to the measurement problem. One solution suggests that occasionally, the wave function ceases evolving according to standard equations and instead undergoes a probabilistic transition, resulting in one of the possible outcomes. Implementing this solution requires modifying the equations of motion to include genuine randomness and time asymmetry, elements absent in the deterministic Schrodinger equation.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner