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The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics  By  cover art

The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics

By: Sean Carroll, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Sean Carroll
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Publisher's summary

In a field known for startling ideas, the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics may take the prize. It holds that parallel to our own world are a large number of other universes, almost identical to ours but with small variations. Copies of each of us inhabit a myriad of these worlds. But they are not us exactly; they share our past history, but they are different people who have unique futures. Although these realms are invisible and can’t communicate with each other, prominent physicists are convinced they must exist.

The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics is about why we should take the Many-Worlds Interpretation seriously, as arguably the best explanation of quantum mechanics, the science of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic scales. In 24 fascinating lectures, Professor Sean Carroll of Johns Hopkins University guides listeners through the history, reasoning, and implications of this bold idea. He also covers alternate theories to Many-Worlds and unresolved questions in fundamental physics, making the course a thorough introduction to the current state of this exciting field.

Starting with classical physics, Professor Carroll explains how quantum theory overturned traditional ideas about matter and energy in the early 20th century. A consensus soon formed around a framework called the Copenhagen Interpretation, which rejected speculation about what was “really happening.” The Many-Worlds Interpretation in the 1950s was a reaction against this view, proposing that we take the basic equation of quantum mechanics seriously and go where it leads. It turns out it leads to Many-Worlds.

The course also covers quantum computing, quantum gravity, the resolution of quantum paradoxes, and speculation about whether human consciousness plays a central role in quantum experiments (Many-Worlds argues it doesn’t). Even die-hard skeptics of Many-Worlds will learn much from these lectures and will have their beliefs tested by a theory that is both mind-boggling and mathematically elegant.

©2023 The Great Courses (P)2023 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about The Many Hidden Worlds of Quantum Mechanics

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Sean Carroll always has such amazing content

Worth listening to this book as well as his Mindscape podcast. He creates the best popular science content I’ve ever come across.

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A new way of imagining

Every theory discussed presents a new way of imagining the multiverse. I enjoyed learning about the origins of quantum theory and its trajectory for future discoveries. The idea of branching many worlds is fascinating. The chapter about free will and determinism provides interesting perspectives. Humanity seems quite small in the grand scheme of things. Science is exciting, especially now!

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Complex but not obscure

The Professor made a very complex subject almost comprehensible by a naive layman. He even approached some novel concepts like Free Will in the realm of Quantum Mechanics. It is fascinating how much we know, and don't know, about our World. I really enjoyed the Course and how it has opened my imagination.

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Great read on the topics covered

The author is pro multi worlds and presents his case without dogging other perspectives. An enjoyable read if you understand the basics of what is covered.

The reading was well done. Narration is good w correct pronunciation and appropriate tone and inflection at times.

All in all; well done and worth the money or credit

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Great course - best understanding I've had of the subject

Covers not just many worlds but other alternative ideas in Quantum Foundations. Explains complex ideas in an easy to understand way

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Wow!

I’m just some random guy with no physics education, but I found this whole course to be super engaging and interesting. Loved it.

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