269 - Scott Aaronson: What Is Quantum Computing?

Scott Aaronson is the Schlumberger Centennial Chair of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin, and director of its Quantum Information Center. He researches the capabilities and limits of quantum computers, and computational complexity theory more generally. For the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years, he was on leave to work at OpenAI on the theoretical foundations of AI safety. In this episode of Robinson’s Podcast, Scott answers a host of questions about the basics of quantum computing. He and Robinson discuss the physics- and computer science elements of the field, how it connects to the foundations of quantum mechanics, the biggest myths about quantum computing, and whether quantum computers will every actually be built.Scott’s Blog: https://scottaaronson.blogOUTLINE00:00 Scott’s Interest in Quantum Computing07:10 Distinguishing the Physics from the Computer Science14:43 What Is Quantum Computation?39:41 The Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics53:31 Quantum Information55:54 Prime Factorization01:03:19 The Biggest Myths About Quantum Computing01:14:06 Can Quantum Computers Actually Be Built?Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.comRobinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.