David Wolpert: The Monotheism Theorem and Uncaused Causation

David Wolpert explores the Monotheism Theorem, Penrose’s ideas, consciousness, free will, and the notion of uncaused causation, challenging deterministic assumptions and highlighting limits of inference devices. The conversation weaves philosophy, physics, and algorithmic information theory into a provocative debate.

0:00 Introduction
4:21 No Go Theorem regarding Laplace's Demon
8:06 Limits on Inference Devices
16:40 The Monotheism Theorem
21:05 Gaining wisdom from dogs
21:34 The Monotheism Theorem (explained in detail)
29:49 Norton's Dome (Newtonian mechanics is NOT deterministic)
35:06 What is an "observer"? An inference device!
39:48 Prediction vs Memory
42:45 No Free Lunch and Inference Devices
47:22 Opinions on Donald Hoffman
48:34 Church Turing thesis (a theorem or definition?)
50:46 Thoughts on Donald Hoffman again
53:24 Profound results from algorithmic information theory
57:27 Busy beaver function
1:02:27 [Chris Langan] On definition of "observer" being teleological
1:03:42 [Chris Langan] Mind and Matter / Dualism / Chalmers / Penrose
1:08:50 [Prof. Karl Friston] Non-equilibrium Steady States consequences
1:12:05 [Prof. Anil Seth] Consciousness substrate independent? Free Will?
1:18:59 Wolpert on debate over definitions
1:31:14 [Prof. Kevin Knuth] Remarks on what life is
1:38:04 [Prof. Edward Lee] Why people offended by uncaused cause?
1:43:54 [Sam Thompson] Sociopolitical implications of inference theorems
1:45:04 [Chris Langan] On modifying physicalism

SPONSORS:

- Brilliant: https://brilliant.org/TOE for 20% off
- Algo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9IfRw1QaTglRoX0sN11AQQ and https://www.algo.com/
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal
- Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE
- PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/paypalTOE
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt
- Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs
- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/better-left-unsaid-with-curt-jaimungal/id1521758802
- Pandora: https://pdora.co/33b9lfP
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e
- Subreddit r/TheoriesOfEverything: https://reddit.com/r/theoriesofeverything
- Merch: https://tinyurl.com/TOEmerch

Every episode days early, ad-free, plus my essays: https://curtjaimungal.substack.com/subscribe

RESOURCES:

- YouTube link: https://youtu.be/WkVq0p2WBmQ
- Chris Langan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CTMURadio
- Anil Seth's book: https://amzn.to/3iaWLUY
- Part 1 with David Wolpert: https://youtu.be/qj_YUxg-qtY
- Better Left Unsaid documentary: http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

SPONSOR: I personally subscribe to The Economist. TOE listeners get 35% off the annual subscription. No other podcast has this! https://economist.com/TOE

FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices