The New Quantum Era

Philosophy of Physics Meets Quantum Engineering with Elise Crull

In this episode, host Sebastian Hassinger talks with Elise Crull, an associate professor of philosophy of physics, about the growing relevance of philosophical analysis to quantum engineering. Crull explains how the rise of quantum computing forces physicists to confront interpretive questions—such as the meaning of entanglement, decoherence versus noise, and causal ordering—that were once confined to academic debate. She also revisits the historic Einstein‑Podolsky‑Rosen (EPR) controversy, showing that Einstein’s concerns were less about determinism and more about the completeness of a physical theory. Throughout, Crull emphasizes that precise terminology and conceptual clarity are essential for turning quantum theory into practical technology.