Everett and Gell-Mann at the notable Massagon(?) meeting

In summary, the Massagon meeting was a significant gathering where physicists, notably Hugh Everett and Murray Gell-Mann, discussed groundbreaking ideas in quantum mechanics. Everett presented his many-worlds interpretation, which posits that all possible outcomes of quantum measurements occur in separate, branching universes. Gell-Mann contributed insights on particle physics and the fundamental forces, emphasizing the importance of these discussions in shaping contemporary understanding of the universe. Their interactions highlighted contrasting perspectives on quantum theory, influencing future research directions in physics.
  • #1
pines-demon
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While discussing at https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ng-of-probability-in-mwi.1059618/post-7054892 somebody posted this video:


where Gell-Mann in a interview with Geoffrey West discusses the contributions of Everett. He says in the transcript:
I was not aware, and I don't think Felix was aware either, of the work of Everett when he was a graduate student at Princeton and worked on this, what some people have called 'many worlds' idea, suggested more or less by Wheeler. Apparently Everett was, as we learned at the Massagon meeting, Everett was an interesting person. He… it wasn't that he was passionately interested in quantum mechanics; he just liked to solve problems, and trying to improve the understanding of quantum mechanics was just one problem that he happened to look at.

What is this Massagon meeting? Who learned about it? Is Massagon even a place?
I think the transcript is wrong but I cannot tell what was meant here.
 
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  • #2
pines-demon said:
Kind of off topic, but what is the "Massagon meeting"?
As Gell-Mann mentions in the interview, Hugh Everett left academia after receiving his PhD. Years later Everett was invited to speak at a physics seminar in Austin in 1977 then was invited to speak at meetings in Europe. That could be the basis for Gell-Mann's comment.

Everett died of a heart attack in 1982 before his ideas became more widely known among academics and interested public.
 
  • #3
Klystron said:
As Gell-Mann mentions in the interview, Hugh Everett left academia after receiving his PhD. Years later Everett was invited to speak at a physics seminar in Austin in 1977 then was invited to speak at meetings in Europe. That could be the basis for Gell-Mann's comment.

Everett died of a heart attack in 1982 before his ideas became more widely known among academics and interested public.
[Note I asked mentors to move your comment here]

Do you have any sources?
 
  • #6
pines-demon said:
[Note I asked mentors to move your comment here]

Do you have any sources?
Coincidentally I had just read a history of quantum physics titled "What is Real?" by Adam Becker, Basic Books 2018. Everett's connection with Gell-Mann is mentioned after page 250.

I cannot actually recommend this book as it does not meet PF's requirements for texts. Also, despite mentioning mathematics and equations frequently, the author includes no mathematics. This frustrating lack of math seems increasingly common among popular science articles and books.

Becker has a knack for describing physics history in immediate terms but tends to repeat events and experiments from (slightly) different viewpoints. His thumbnail sketches of Everett, John Bell, and David Bohm, among others, make this book quite readable.
 
  • #7
I wonder if Everett was in Moscow, he talks about Moscow earlier:
 
  • #9
Frabjous said:
How about the NATO Workshop on the Physical Origin of Time Asymmetry, Mazagon, Spain, October 1991?
https://www.amazon.com/Physical-Origins-Time-Asymmetry-Halliwell/dp/0521568374/?tag=pfamazon01-20
That's looks like it! Matches the sounding. Great find.

Edit: Here is another description of the meeting: https://prce.hu/w/preprints/spain.html It has Wheeler and Gell-Mann, if I can find any of the two books maybe I can check if Everett was there, but maybe it was Wheeler that presented Everett's theory.

Edit: It is not another book it is just a review of the book? I am not sure.
 
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  • #10
pines-demon said:
That's looks like it! Matches the sounding. Great find.

Edit: Here is another description of the meeting: https://prce.hu/w/preprints/spain.html It has Wheeler and Gell-Mann, if I can find any of the two books maybe I can check if Everett was there, but maybe it was Wheeler that presented Everett's theory.
Everett was dead. I believe that Wheeler was no longer a proponent.
 
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  • #11
Frabjous said:
Everett was dead. I believe that Wheeler was no longer a proponent.
Oh right. I still think this is the one. I do not know how Gell-Mann learned about Everett there, but possibly just by discussing with Wheeler. When I will have time I will dig into it. For the moment, I declare the mystery to be solved. Thanks.
 
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  • #12
pines-demon said:
Oh right. I still think this is the one. I do not know how Gell-Mann learned about Everett there, but possibly just by discussing with Wheeler. When I will have time I will dig into it. For the moment, I declare the mystery to be solved. Thanks.
DeWitt was there.
 
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FAQ: Everett and Gell-Mann at the notable Massagon(?) meeting

What was the significance of the Massagon meeting attended by Everett and Gell-Mann?

The Massagon meeting was significant as it brought together leading physicists to discuss foundational issues in quantum mechanics, particularly the implications of the many-worlds interpretation proposed by Hugh Everett III. Murray Gell-Mann, a prominent figure in particle physics, contributed to the discussions that shaped the understanding of quantum theory and its interpretations.

What were the main topics discussed at the Massagon meeting?

Main topics included the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the role of observation in quantum states, and the implications of the many-worlds interpretation on the nature of reality. The discussions also covered advancements in particle physics and the relationship between theoretical frameworks and experimental data.

How did the ideas presented at the Massagon meeting influence future research in physics?

The ideas presented at the Massagon meeting influenced future research by encouraging physicists to explore alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly the many-worlds interpretation. This led to further theoretical developments and debates regarding the foundations of quantum mechanics, as well as inspiring new experimental approaches to test these theories.

What was the reaction of the scientific community to the discussions at the Massagon meeting?

The reaction of the scientific community was mixed; while some embraced the innovative ideas and the many-worlds interpretation as a plausible explanation for quantum phenomena, others were skeptical and raised questions about its implications and testability. This dichotomy spurred ongoing debates and research into the nature of quantum reality.

Did the Massagon meeting lead to any significant publications or collaborations?

Yes, the Massagon meeting led to significant publications that documented the discussions and findings of the attendees. It also fostered collaborations among physicists who were interested in exploring the implications of the many-worlds interpretation and other quantum theories, ultimately contributing to advancements in both theoretical and experimental physics.

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