279 - Paul Davies: The Second Quantum Mechanics Revolution

Paul Davies is a theoretical physicist and Regents’ Professor at Arizona State University. Paul works on quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and cosmology, with emphasis on the origin and early stages of the universe, the quantum properties of black holes and the nature of time. He is interested in the nature and origin of life – including extraterrestrial life – beyond Earth, and in complex systems. In this episode of Robinson’s Podcast, Paul and Robinson discuss the second revolution in quantum mechanics. Among other things, they dig into the origin of quantum theory, how we should interpret it, various quarks of quantum physics, such as teleportation and entanglement, quantum computing, and more. Paul’s recent book is Quantum 2.0 (Pelican, 2025).

Quantum 2.0: https://a.co/d/0ckzsWav

OUTLINE

00:00 Why Quantum Mechanics?

11:59 How Should We Interpret Quantum Mechanics?

22:22 Complexity and Quantum Theory

30:59 What Will Be the Next Quantum Revolution?

39:59 The Next Generation of Quantum Technology?

49:47 Can Quantum Teleportation Move Macroscopic Objects?

52:47 Supercomputers vs Quantum Computers

01:04:16 The Fine-Tuning Problem?

01:12:37 Do We Have a Scientific Theory of Life?

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.