Yiqin Shi

2nd Year Graduate Student | M.A. program in Philosophical Foundations of Physics

My primary areas of interest lie in the philosophy of physics and the philosophy of mind. I am curious about various interpretations of quantum mechanics, especially QBism and the many-worlds theory. Inspired by how quantum entanglement can potentially lead to nonlocality, and time can possibly be symmetrical, I want to investigate whether causation can occur both ways down the timeline, and if indeterminacy can be a property not only for the future, but also for the past. I would also like to explore how consciousness may be able to travel freely and instantaneously without any restriction from space and time based on these concepts, and if consciousness serves as an essential part of the reality.

Prior to studying at Columbia, I received a B.A. in Physics and in Philosophy with Honors from the University of Southern California. Before that, I was born and raised in Shanghai, China. In my spare time, I enjoy many sports, including skydiving.