Sam Harris on the mystery of quantum mechanics | Lex Fridman Podcast Clips | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Physicists think about possibility in terms of probability, as it describes observed patterns of actuality rather than hypothetical outcomes.

Key Insights

• 🌍 Probability in physics describes patterns of observed actuality and provides a model for the world.
• 💁 The frequency of past events informs our beliefs about future outcomes, but we only have access to the observed events.
• 👮 The laws of nature go beyond the actual interactions of objects and events and provide a structure for understanding the physical world.
• 👮 Possibility is necessary for the laws of nature to exist and be effective.
• 🚫 The concept of a block universe suggests that there is no such thing as possibility, and everything is predetermined.
• 🥺 Recognizing that we are not in control of everything can lead to a sense of freedom and continuous discovery in life.
• 💭 Our thoughts and intentions are also part of the continuous discovery process, and there is a fundamental mystery to even the most familiar experiences.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What does probability signify in the context of physics?

In physics, probability is used to describe patterns of observed actuality, providing a model for the world and helping us make predictions about future events.

Q: Can probability completely explain the occurrence of events?

Probability is based on observed instances of events, but it doesn't provide a complete explanation for why a particular event occurred. It allows for the possibility of different outcomes and provides a level of uncertainty.

Q: How do physicists explain the laws of nature?

The laws of nature, while they have evidence of their existence, are not reducible to any specific instances. They provide a structure that goes beyond the actual interactions of objects and events in the physical world.

Q: What is the relationship between possibility and the laws of nature?

Possibility seems to be necessary for the existence of the laws of nature. The laws of nature go beyond the actual events and objects and are effective in shaping the world, but they are not among the actual things that interact.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Physicists view probability as a way to describe observed patterns of actual events, rather than hypothetical outcomes.

• The frequency with which events happen in the past can inform our belief about future outcomes, but in reality, we only have the observed instances of events.

• Probability allows for a model of the world and gives hope about what could have been different in a particular event.