692. Ruth Kastner

Ruth E. Kastner earned her M.S. in Physics and Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Maryland. Since that time, she has taught widely and conducted research in Foundations of Physics, particularly in interpretations of quantum theory. She was one of three winners of the 2021 Alumni Research Award at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is the author of 3 books: The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Theory: The Reality of Possibility (Cambridge University Press, 2012; 2nd edition just published, 2022), Understanding Our Unseen Reality: Solving Quantum Riddles (Imperial College Press, 2015); and Adventures In Quantumland: Exploring Our Unseen Reality (World Scientific, 2019). She has presented talks and interviews throughout the world and in video recordings on the interpretational challenges of quantum theory, and has a blog at transactionalinterpretation.org. She is also a dedicated yoga practitioner and received her 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Instructor Certification in February, 2020.

Website: ruthekastner.org

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Transcript and summary of this interview

Interview recorded October 21, 2023.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:04:03 - The Importance of Physical Fitness and Yoga
00:08:00 - Discovering the Transactional Interpretation
00:11:58 - The Connection between Consciousness and Spirituality
00:16:28 - The Yin-Yang Nature of Quantum Theory
00:21:50 - The Reality of Quantum Possibilities
00:26:08 - The Blind Men and the Elephant
00:29:38 - The Measurement Problem and Consciousness
00:36:21 - The Orthodox Position on Dark Matter and Dark Energy
00:41:10 - Events and the Illusion of Space-Time
00:44:08 - The Analogy of Enlightenment and the Game of Life
00:47:10 - The Shimmering Intelligence in Every Particle of Creation
00:53:15 - Pathology and the Neglect of Yin
00:55:34 - The Taboo of Passivity and Eastern Wisdom
00:58:00 - The Debate on Free Will
01:00:39 - The Ad hoc Nature of the Feynman Propagator
01:01:21 - The Flatland Analogy
01:04:48 - Mr. Flatland and the Sphere
01:08:16 - The Controversy Surrounding the Term "Consciousness"
01:11:50 - Volition and Symmetry Breaking in Nature
01:15:01 - The Relationality of Charged Particles
01:18:22 - Understanding outcomes in the transactional picture
01:21:52 - Mastery over the Laws of Nature
01:24:56 - The Holographic Principle and its Significance
01:29:23 - Quantum Theory and the Physical World
01:33:25 - The Power and Limitations of Physical Science
01:43:30 - The Interconnectedness of String Theory
01:49:12 - The Flow of Time and Phenomena
01:54:24 - The Cosmos: Conscious Being or Product of Chance and Necessity