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RQM and the Measurement Problem

This post offers a brief informal introduction to Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM) and describes how it solves the measurement problem. What quantum mechanics (QM) says about the phenomena it describes is strange. One central difficulty is usually summarized as the “measurement problem”. The QM model of a physical system does not assign definite values to… Continue reading RQM and the Measurement Problem

More About the “Causal” in CST

This post catches up with a nice paper published last year by Sam Baron and Baptiste Le Bihan called “Causal Set Theory is (Strongly) Causal.” (A post about a previous, related paper by the same authors is here.) Causal Set Theory (CST) is an approach to quantum gravity that features discrete, causally linked foundational elements,… Continue reading More About the “Causal” in CST

Constraint Closure and Autonomy

This post is an addendum to a previous one, “The Enactive Approach to Agency” (if you are interested check that out first). There I described “operational closure”, which is a proposed basis for understanding the organizational structure underlying biological autonomy. In particular, I praised the way it abstracts from the more complicated features of self-production… Continue reading Constraint Closure and Autonomy

New Paper: Causation, Explanation and Process Ontology

I have a new paper out (open access), called “Turning Salmon’s causal process theory into process ontology.” In it, I provide a modified account of causal process theory. It is intended to meet the aims of biology-inspired philosophers who advocate for a process-oriented metaphysics, while maintaining a close tie to the topic of scientific explanation.… Continue reading New Paper: Causation, Explanation and Process Ontology

Top Charity Funds

Investors are used to the idea of delegating decisions to expert fund managers. Donors can also find great funds targeting important philanthropic causes. As someone seeking to make an impact, finding dedicated research organizations that evaluate charities was frankly a godsend. They make it easy to select from vetted recommended charities, but my favorite organizations… Continue reading Top Charity Funds

Giving Global, Giving Local

Compare two possible charitable donations. My family and I have greatly enjoyed the productions at a local theatre company. If I support it with a donation, this will help sustain its role in enhancing the quality of life in the community. Alternatively: if I donate to an organization that distributes anti-malarial nets to targeted groups… Continue reading Giving Global, Giving Local

Paper: RQM and Molecular Structure

I have a new paper out, titled “Relational Quantum Mechanics, Causal Composition, and Molecular Structure”, published in the journal Foundations of Chemistry (see links at the end of this post). The topic concerns the relationship between chemistry and quantum mechanics (QM), and is sometimes called the problem of molecular structure. (The paper expands on some… Continue reading Paper: RQM and Molecular Structure

Putting Experience Back into View

I finished reading The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience, by Adam Frank, Marcelo Gleiser and Evan Thompson. It is an ambitious book that I think succeeds in its aims. I recommend it highly and hope it is widely read. The authors argue that the great achievements of science have been unfortunately accompanied… Continue reading Putting Experience Back into View

The Question of Artificial Agency

I’m grateful for recent speculations about whether AI systems might achieve human-like intelligence (AGI) and/or sentience. These have led me to think more carefully about the ingredients that go into these capabilities. I think a necessary ingredient is agency, and understanding agency can sharpen our inquiry into the prospects for AI. What is agency and… Continue reading The Question of Artificial Agency