Lee Smolin: Why Time Is Real and Quantum Mechanics Needs Rewriting

Lee Smolin joins Theories of Everything to explore his ideas on the dynamic nature of physical laws, the role of time, and connections between string theory, loop quantum gravity, and other fields. The conversation spans topics from doubly special relativity to the Bomes interpretation of quantum mechanics and even touches on biology and philosophy.0:00 Intro4:13 Doubly Special Relativity and Violation of Lorentz Invariance9:15 The Concept of Thick Time19:11 Duality Between String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity23:50 Condensed Matter Theory28:35 Approximating by a Continuum and Discrete Sets34:11 Misapprehensions about Loop Quantum Gravity38:43 Defining Complexity and the View of the Universe by One Observer43:52 Causal Energetic: The Relationship Between Varieties and Kinetic Energy48:38 Varying Parameters in the Universe53:35 The Bomes Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics58:30 Causality and Relativity1:03:15 Different Styles in Mathematics and Chess1:07:55 The Fundamental Questions in Biology1:12:49 Marrying Outside Your Field1:18:04 Discussion on Authors and Novels1:23:35 Conversations with Fire Robin1:28:39 Being Sincere and Ambitious1:33:39 A Visit from BJ1:38:34 OutroSPONSORS:- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal- Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE- PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/paypalTOE- TOE Merch: https://tinyurl.com/TOEmerchRESOURCES:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriesofeverythingpod- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriesofeverything_- 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- Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join- Sabine Hossenfelder's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SabineHossenfelder- Sean Carrol's Mindscape episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTM-8memDHs- Against Method (Paul Feyerabend): https://www.amazon.com/Against-Method-Paul-Feyerabend/dp/1844674428- Science in a Free Society (Paul Feyerabend): https://www.amazon.com/Science-Free-Society-Paul-Feyerabend/dp/0860917533- Lee Smolin's paper w/ Clelia Verde: https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.09945- Podcast w/ Carlo Rovelli on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_fUPbBNmBw- Podcast w/ Abhay Ashtekar on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ReIvXKrrU 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. SUMMER SALE to Aug 17, 2026: 50% 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