Sean Carroll
Lecturer
Series
Watch The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics (2023) Online
No video is available for The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics - S1E1 yet. Check back soon.
10.01 votes2023Returning SeriesDocumentary
Synopsis
One universe is not enough. Learn about the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics in this exciting course taught by a renowned expert, Sean Carroll.
Episodes
Season 1
PreviousNext
1. Why Suppose There's More Than One World?Now viewing2023-11-2432mFasten your seat belts and take off into the realm of multiple, maybe even infinite, worlds. Professor Carroll explains how quantum mechanics predicts the existence of a large number of universes parallel to our own. This far-out theory is one of the leading contenders for a rigorous formulation of quantum mechanics. Trace the history of, and motivation for, this idea.- 2. The Classical Physics World That Never Was2023-11-24Investigate the classical picture of reality, which is how physicists thought the world worked before quantum mechanics. Codified by Isaac Newton, classical physics evolved into a nearly unified view based on particles and fields, and it included such revolutionary ideas as Einstein's theories of relativity. But starting in the early 20th century, scientists began to realize something was amiss.
- 3. Quantum Worlds Start With Waves and Particles2023-11-24The widely accepted system of classical physics began to unravel in 1900 when Max Planck proposed an idea that later became known as the quantum. Elaborated by Einstein, this theory held that light waves behave like particles. Later work by Louis de Broglie held that particles sometimes behave like waves. Discover how both ideas were amply confirmed and became tenets of quantum mechanics.
- 4. A Wave Function to Describe Particles2023-11-24Transition from the old quantum theory to full-fledged quantum mechanics with the mathematically elegant concept of the wave function, derived by Erwin Schrödinger in 1925. Professor Carroll guides you through the terms of the Schrödinger equation, which earned a Nobel Prize for Schrödinger and became the basis for wave mechanics-the theory that predicts how quantum systems behave.
- 5. Copenhagen Says the Wave Function Collapses2023-11-24Quantum mechanics was disquieting to anyone trained in classical physics. To dispel this unease, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg devised the "Copenhagen Interpretation." Delve into the strengths and weaknesses of this influential view, which rejects speculation about what's "really happening." One reaction was Schrödinger's celebrated thought experiment involving a cat in mortal peril.
- 6. Is the Wave Function Real?2023-11-24Consider exactly what Heisenberg meant by his uncertainty principle, which is often misstated, even by physicists. Go deeper into wave-particle duality, studying the famous double-slit experiment, which shows light behaving simultaneously as a wave and a particle. Discover why a realist perspective on Schrödinger's wave function dissolves some of the key paradoxes of quantum mechanics.
- 7. Uncertainty in Action With Spin and Qubits2023-11-24Explore the fundamental quantum property of particles known as "spin," which can come in binary states, like the 0 and 1 bits in digital computing. For the purposes of quantum computing, spin can serve as a "qubit" to encode information at the subatomic level. Learn how spin makes the uncertainty principle much easier to understand and provides deep insights into the nature of the quantum world.
- 8. Quantum Entanglement and Action at a Distance2023-11-24Focus on Einstein's objection to a specific feature of quantum mechanics called entanglement, which he termed, "spooky action at a distance." When two particles are entangled, no matter how far apart they are, if you measure the property of one, you instantly know the corresponding property of the other. Einstein tried to use this feature to argue that quantum mechanics must be incomplete.
- 9. Entanglement Leads to Many Worlds2023-11-24Use concepts developed in the course so far to learn how physicist Hugh Everett arrived at a bold new approach to quantum mechanics. Called the Many-Worlds Interpretation, it holds that the wave function represents reality and evolves smoothly into multiple distinct worlds when a quantum measurement takes place. Contrast Everett's straightforward idea with the opaque Copenhagen Interpretation.
- 10. Decoherence Explains Branching Worlds2023-11-24Focus on decoherence, which does the same work in Many-Worlds as the collapse of the wave function in the Copenhagen Interpretation. Both explain what happens when a measurement is made, but in Many-Worlds the mechanism is more consistent with the underlying physics. Then, see how decoherence is the gateway to multiple branching worlds, which differ from the cosmological idea of the multiverse.
- 11. How Entanglement Powers Quantum Computers2023-11-24Many-Worlds theorist David Deutsch helped pioneer quantum computing, which he argues is an outgrowth on the Many-Worlds Interpretation. Investigate the principles behind quantum computing, comparing it to classical computing. Discover that the big difference is the architecture of logic gates. See how quantum computers can surmount this obstacle and excel at certain types of calculations.
- 12. Too Many Worlds! Five Objections Answered2023-11-24The Many-Worlds view seems to defy common sense. Why can't we see the other worlds? And don't they violate the laws of physics and other rules of nature? Professor Carroll answers five major objections, concerning the philosophical concept known as Occam's Razor, the problem of time asymmetry, the possibility of infinity, plus scruples about immortality and energy conservation.
- 13. Testing the Many-Worlds Interpretation2023-11-24Address another objection to the Many-Worlds Interpretation: its testability. This refers to philosopher Karl Popper's famous falsifiability criterion, which discounts any theory that can't in principle be proven false. The proliferation of worlds that can't ever be observed might seem to qualify Many-Worlds as unfalsifiable, but Professor Carroll shows that it is testable where it counts.
- 14. Where Does Probability Come From?2023-11-24Yet another hurdle for Many-Worlds is the origin and nature of probability. The Copenhagen version of quantum mechanics is fundamentally probabilistic, rather than deterministic. This is a key feature in its success. By contrast, Many-Worlds is deterministic. We can derive an understanding of probability by thinking about where we are in the quantum wave function.
- 15. Quashing Worlds With Wave Function Collapse2023-11-24Given the mind-boggling implications of Many-Worlds, many physicists have sought plausible alternatives. In this lecture, consider the possibility of altering the Schrödinger equation-the jumping-off point for Many-Worlds. Investigate two proposals that try this tactic: GRW (named after its inventors, Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber) and CSL (Continuous Spontaneous Localization) theory.
- 16. Blocking Worlds With Hidden Wave Variables2023-11-24Does the wave function tell the whole story? Explore the hidden variable theory, devised by Louis de Broglie and refined by David Bohm. According to this view, particles are guided by pilot waves constructed from the wave function. The "hidden variables" are the precise positions of particles, which are being guided by the pilot waves. Learn why some critics call the idea "Many-Worlds in denial."
- 17. Mind Before Matter in Quantum Theory2023-11-24Since quantum mechanics and consciousness are both mysterious, could they be connected in some way? Examine several arguments that relate quantum phenomena to the involvement of conscious observers. The Copenhagen Interpretation is particularly open to such speculations. Also, look at Quantum Bayesianism, or QBism, which sidesteps quantum paradoxes by dispensing with the idea of objective reality.
- 18. The Quantum Emergence of the World We See2023-11-24How does the structure of observed reality emerge from the wave function in Many-Worlds? In other words, where do the worlds come from? This question relates to the "preferred basis" problem that attempts to link the quantum realm to everyday macroscopic objects. See how Schrödinger's clever thought experiment involving a cat provides a conceptual tool for solving this puzzle.
- 19. The Challenge of Quantum Gravity2023-11-24Quantum theory accounts for a remarkable array of particles and forces-but not gravity. Learn why constructing a successful theory of quantum gravity has vexed physicists for nearly a century. Professor Carroll lays the groundwork for discussing the Many-Worlds perspective on gravity by focusing on two popular alternative theories: string theory and loop quantum gravity.
- 20. Space Emerges From Entanglement2023-11-24Starting with the basic ingredients of quantum theory-wave functions, Schrödinger's equation, and entanglement-and following the Many-Worlds approach, probe this question: What circumstances lead to emergent branches of the wave function that look like matter moving in curved spacetime-that is, in gravitational fields? Find that gravity may be a natural consequence of quantum mechanics.
- 21. The Quantum Emergence of Time2023-11-24As space might be an emergent property of quantum entanglement, could the same be true of time? Divide a wave function into subsystems and watch how the rest of the universe becomes entangled in a manner that can be interpreted as time passing. Along the way, learn the ideas behind the Wheeler-DeWitt equation, which helped define the "problem of time."
- 22. Free Will, Determinism, and Many-Worlds2023-11-24Get philosophical by probing a pair of profound questions that arise from the far-out implications of Many-Worlds. Are multiple branching worlds caused by our decisions? Is human free will possible, especially in light of the deterministic nature of Many-Worlds? Professor Carroll analyzes the way the macroscopic world of human thought and action interact with the quantum realm.
- 23. What Happens to Ethics Under Many-Worlds?2023-11-24A theory in which every moral act entails an immoral one taking place in a branching universe is rife with ethical quandaries. Now, consider whether you could be moral in each of the universes of a Many-Worlds scenario. One stumbling block is imagining that the version of you that took a branching path is actually you. You may share a past, but the two of you are really different people.
- 24. A Future Renaissance for Quantum Mechanics2023-11-24Many-Worlds and competing theories on the foundations of quantum mechanics may seem essential for our understanding of reality, but they were long ignored by no-nonsense practicing physicists. Close the course by witnessing how the tide is turning, as it becomes increasingly clear that the foundational issues are likely the key to unlocking the outstanding mysteries of the cosmos.
Cast
Top Billed Cast
Availability
Where To Watch Legally
No legal streaming, rental or purchase options for The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics were reported for this region.
Recommended
More Like This
SeriesMegaStructures
7.52004
SeriesThrough the Wormhole
7.72010
SeriesHow Do They Do It?
7.52006
SeriesMind Field
8.22017
SeriesHulk Hogan: Real American
7.42026
SeriesWorld War II with Tom Hanks
8.02026
SeriesEli Roth's History of Horror
6.42018
SeriesHot Girls Wanted: Turned On
6.32017
SeriesHorizon
7.41964
SeriesHistory 101
7.12020
SeriesEarth at Night in Colour
8.22020
SeriesTop Gear
8.01978
SeriesNatural World
7.41983
SeriesMarvel Studios Legends
7.42021
SeriesMarvel Studios Assembled
7.22021
SeriesNOVA
7.01974
SeriesDeadly Women
7.92005
SeriesThe Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy
7.42023
SeriesKylie
8.72026
SeriesJANET JACKSON.
7.52022
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics available to watch online?
Vidbox does not currently have a legal streaming, rental or purchase option on record for The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics in this region.
How many seasons does The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics have?
The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics has 1 season and 24 episodes.
When did The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics first air?
The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics first aired in 2023.
Is The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics still running?
Yes, The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics is an ongoing series.
What genre is The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics?
The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics is classified as Documentary.