Time in Quantum Theory (TiQT) 2026

Session

Philosophy

26 May 2026, 14:00

Albano 3: 4204 - SU Conference Room (56 seats) (Albano Building 3)

43. Density Matrix Realism, Arrows of Time, and Observation Typicality

Prof. Eddy Chen (University of California San Diego)

26/05/2026, 14:00

Invited Talk

According to density matrix realism, the quantum state of the universe is objective but could be fundamentally mixed. I develop this framework and motivate it using considerations about the arrows of time. I then present a new class of results—observation typicality—which establish fundamental limits on our ability to infer or distinguish universal quantum states from observations. I explore...