COLLOQUIUM: BARANDES, Jacob, "New Foundations for Quantum Theory" - 03/04/2024

Harvard University
Monday Physics Colloquium
March 4, 2024
JACOB BARANDES (Harvard)
"NEW FOUNDATIONS FOR QUANTUM THEORY"
Abstract:
Quantum theory can be reformulated in terms of old-fashioned configuration spaces and ‘indivisible’ stochastic laws, without a fundamental role for Hilbert spaces, wave functions, or density matrices. I will argue that this alternative formulation does not suffer from some of the major foundational problems of textbook quantum theory, and that it deflates various exotic claims about superposition, interference, and entanglement. I will also use this new formulation to introduce a microphysical definition of causal influences, which can be used to exploit a little-known loophole in Bell's theorem, with potentially significant consequences for causal locality.
Bio:
Jacob Barandes is a theoretical physicist and philosopher of science here at Harvard. He did his undergraduate work at Columbia University in physics and mathematics, and then completed his PhD in theoretical physics at Harvard. Dr. Barandes currently serves as Lecturer and Co-Director of Graduate Studies for the physics PhD program at Harvard. He is also an Associated Faculty member with Harvard's Department of Philosophy, as well as a Faculty Affiliate with the Harvard Black Hole Initiative. Dr. Barandes teaches courses on the fundamentals of theoretical physics, classical electromagnetism, general relativity, and the history and philosophy of quantum mechanics. His research publications focus on the foundations of quantum theory, philosophy of science, and quantum field theory. Dr. Barandes also organizes the annual New England Workshop on the History and Philosophy of Physics, in addition to an international seminar series on physics and philosophy of science.