Tim Maudlin: Quantum Realism, Bell's Theorem, and the Pilot Wave

Tim Maudlin discusses quantum realism, Bell's theorem, and the pilot‑wave interpretation, challenging common views of quantum mechanics. He explores the role of mathematics, geometry, and time in physics while reviewing key books on quantum foundations.- 00:00:00 - Introduction- 00:01:53 - Philosophy of physics- 00:04:18 - Physics without numbers- 00:20:20 - Truth and mathematics- 00:29:08 - Pythagoras on irrational numbers- 00:31:31 - Geometry as core of reality- 00:39:11 - Data errors (detector efficiency)- 00:45:02 - Bell's theorem, non‑locality, realism- 00:50:38 - Superdeterminism & retrocausality- 01:27:08 - Quantum foundations books- 01:31:10 - "Beables": what exists?- 01:33:57 - Mathematical universe critique- 01:38:31 - Spatialize time or temporalize space?- 01:46:37 - Against Occam, Feynman, backward time- 01:56:56 - Time is not illusion- 02:01:50 - Quantum mechanics with observers- 02:08:36 - Classifying quantum theories & Penrose- 02:16:25 - Pilot wave theory overview- 02:20:18 - Philosophy vs physics vs math- 02:28:53 - Consciousness hardest question- 02:32:28 - Disproofs of functionalism- 02:37:15 - Wolfram- 02:38:56 - Arrow of time- 02:41:49 - Bergson, Einstein, Bohm- 02:44:48 - Bell personal stories- 02:50:54 - Causation, Pearle, mental sharpnessSPONSORS:- Brilliant: https://brilliant.org/TOE for 20% offEvery episode days early, ad-free, plus my essays: https://curtjaimungal.substack.com/subscribeRESOURCES:- YouTube link: https://youtu.be/fU1bs5o3nss- http://theoriesofeverything.org- New TOE Website (early access to episodes): https://theoriesofeverything.org/- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal- Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE- PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/paypalTOE- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt- Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/better-left-unsaid-with-curt-jaimungal/id1521758802- Pandora: https://pdora.co/33b9lfP- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e- Subreddit r/TheoriesOfEverything: https://reddit.com/r/theoriesofeverything- Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity: https://amzn.to/3rOLpuG- The Metaphysics Within Physics: https://amzn.to/3fZmjXs- Philosophy of Physics (Space and Time): https://amzn.to/3EHNPCO- New Foundations for Physical Geometry: https://amzn.to/3Ms6hl6- Philosophy of Physics (Quantum Theory): https://amzn.to/3EDu2Vd Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science. SPONSOR: I personally subscribe to The Economist. FLASH SALE through Sep 23, 2026: 60% off the annual subscription! No other podcast has this! https://economist.com/TOE FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices