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Dialogue with Raja Yehia about the quantum energy initiative
The quantum energy initiative (QEI) is a recently launched initiative that wants to raise awareness about the energy consumption of quantum technologies and aims at making them more efficient and sustainable. However, I have been always skeptical about its mission and integrity. So, to get a clear picture, I thought it is best to talk…
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One year of online presence
About a year ago I started this blog and created a Twitter account and Linkedin profile. Now, it’s time for a little recap.
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Dualism vs. Animism and Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
Dualistic perspectives are deeply ingrained into our modern society and at the root of our reckless exploitation and destruction of planet earth, something which would be unthinkable within an animistic worldview. I here make the point that the contrast between dualism and animism is mirrored, to an almost frightening precision, in the interpretations of quantum…
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Endnotes: the end of science?
Not really, but it is at least the QWERTY of science (this post is a bit more emotional). I really hate them (it’s very emotional). Here is why.
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Pancakes for physicists
Even though brain activity burns around 20% of the calories in your body, the need for good food is often neglected among physicists. This results in pale creatures loitering in front of blackboards mumbling stuff that not even their peers can understand. Here is your way out with the most delicious and healthy pancakes you…
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Why God plays dice: A pedagogical and accurate explanation of the second law
The second law of thermodynamics has taken a supreme place in the hall of fame of universal laws, owing to its time-asymmetric character and its countless applications in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics and astronomy. Yet, it also holds a supreme place as one of the most mystic natural laws that “nobody really understands”. But luckily…
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Bonobo Science
The group dynamics of bonobos, a species of apes that is genetically one of our closest relatives, is predominantly cooperative and peaceful. The reason for this behavior can be explained by the abundance of resources and the relative smallness of the bonobo groups. These preconditions lead to the forming of strong social bonds and a…
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Dialogue with Matteo Polettini about the second law
The second law of thermodynamics is one of the bedrocks of science. It sticks out due to its defeatism, it has become an integral part of pop culture, economics and politics, and it is constantly mystified because “no one really knows what entropy really is” (J. von Neumann). In this dialogue physicists Matteo Polettini and…
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Everything everywhere all at once? Many worlds in context
The many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics has not only become an equal rival to the once all-dominating Copenhagen collapse interpretation, but it even breached through the fences of science and became a popular theme of Hollywood blockbusters. By contrasting the two rivaling interpretations, this post highlights some of the surprising stuff I have learned…
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What is a Boltzmann brain?
If you thought the name of this blog comes from me thinking to be a reincarnation of Boltzmann, then you were almost but not quite right. Boltzmann’s brain is a serious scientific paradox at the intersection of statistical physics and cosmology with the (still serious) consequence that the Universe could be filled with zombies, including…