Quantum Field Theory: Reality Is Not What You Think It Is

in science •  7 years ago 

Quantum Field Theory is the current best understanding of the nature of reality that we have. It's also the strangest. Join me as we break down how we got there and what it all means.

Now, because this is a super-dense topic and my videos are really more of an appetizer than the main course, here are some other videos that go into more specifics by people who actually know what they're talking about. It's fascinating stuff:

From The Royal Institution - David Tong on Quantum Field Theory

Part one on Quantum Electrodynamics and Paul Dirac at PBS Digital Studios

Fermilab on Quantum Field Theory

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In response to the question about how close we are to understanding fundamental reality, what if we receive this information from an advanced super AI?As an artifical being, it might process reality in an esoteric way, much like a subjective lense that would naturally be there considering the impact on psychology and perception of reality -- this is true for humans, which is also most likely true for such a digital being. Would it just be some clunky barely-intelligible working model, or would it be exceedingly elegant and help us understand the fundamental levels of existence? I'm hoping for the latter.

I think that's a good point. Something that only occurred to me after making the video was what if our entire method for understanding the universe is wrong? Like we call math the "universal language" but what if it's something else? Not math, not language, but something we haven't even thought of?

woot woot, joe! I've been watching your videos on youtube for ages, and your cryptocurrency episode lead me here to steemit.

Thanks!

at least it's not branes and strings

THAT was screwy

thanks for the video, very good boiling down difficult material and making it easy(er) to digest

Thanks!
Yeah, I haven't covered String Theory yet. Feel like I need to get PhD before I can understand that one.

I think if we did receive some advanced knowledge it would do us little good. Imagine someone sending back the plans for a cell phone to the 1700's. Not only would it be unintelligible, more akin to magic, but the needed components could never be made even if they understood the concepts. The industrial technology would not be in place to make the pieces needed to put it together, and it would be useless anyway since the technology relies on more than just thing you hold in your hand.

The same would be for use if an advanced civilization, advanced AI, advanced (fill in the blank) dropped advanced information on us from wherever. I doubt we could understand it, and even if we could understand it, would we even have the technology to put it to use. Advanced knowledge almost always requires advanced technology or some sort of advanced infrastructure in order to make the knowledge practical. You never gain knowledge by fiat.

This is why progression is is the only way to gain knowledge that can really be used. Progression lays the foundation for knowledge by supplying the materials and the infrastructure needed in order to use the knowledge.

Well said!

Anything that ever happens, does so in the Present, which
very quickly becomes subject to the Past... In other words,
the Present bears witness of the Past, and the Future shall
make all things Clear...

COIN MAN by @pocketechange A Penny may cost a Dollar...

Long time follower here from YouTube, didn't realize you were on this platform. @answerswithjoe glad to see you on Steemit... - I also follow Everyday Astronaut. Would be great to get him over here as well! Your channel has my full support.

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I agree... We need more of those Magical Quantum 100% ER's...

COIN MAN by @pocketechange A Penny may cost a Dollar...

Wow this is really good

I am new in steemit, could you please follow me as I subscribed you. Thanks.

https://steemit.com/cryptocurrency/@gcolak/is-robinhood-really-going-to-beat-coinbase