Category: physics
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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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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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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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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…
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Meeting “Meeting the Universe Halfway” Halfway
Karen Barad’s monumental book “Meeting the Universe Halfway” (subtitle: “Quantum physics and the entanglement of matter and meaning”, Duke University Press, 2007) currently receives more than 2700 citations per year (according to google scholar). That’s more than all my publications have received altogether over the years. Reason enough to read the book that promises a…