Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics: How are they related?
Sabine Hossenfelder・14 minutes read
The debate over consciousness in quantum mechanics has persisted for decades, with some physicists arguing that consciousness plays a key role in the collapse of the wave-function. While some propose modified theories, others suggest that consciousness arises from the collapse of the wave-function, challenging traditional views on the relationship between consciousness and quantum mechanics.
Insights
- Physicists like von Neumann and Wigner argued that consciousness plays a crucial role in understanding quantum mechanics, with debates spanning over a century.
- The collapse of the wave-function in quantum mechanics has been linked to human observation and knowledge, suggesting that consciousness may influence the outcomes of quantum experiments, as proposed by the Wigner von Neumann interpretation.
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Recent questions
What is quantum mechanics?
Study of subatomic particles and their behavior.
How do cookies bake?
Cookies are baked in the oven until golden brown.
What is the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics?
Some believe consciousness influences quantum outcomes.
What is a wave-function collapse?
Collapse of a wave-function upon measurement.
What is Integrated Information Theory?
Theory proposing consciousness modification of quantum mechanics.
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Summary
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"Simple Cookie Recipe: Flour, Sugar, Butter"
- The recipe requires 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of butter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F before starting the baking process.
- Mix the flour, sugar, and butter together until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool before serving.
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Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics: A Debate
- Physicists have debated the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics for over a century.
- Some physicists, like von Neumann and Wigner, believed consciousness is necessary to understand quantum mechanics.
- In quantum mechanics, everything is described by a wave-function, including superpositions.
- The collapse of a wave-function upon measurement was a point of contention between Einstein and Bohr.
- Bohr believed the wave-function collapse was linked to human observation and knowledge.
- Wigner's friend experiment illustrated the idea that consciousness causes the collapse of the wave-function.
- Von Neumann proposed that consciousness causes the collapse of the wave-function due to superpositions.
- The Wigner von Neumann interpretation suggests consciousness influences the outcome of quantum experiments.
- Chalmers and MacQueen proposed a modification to quantum mechanics using Integrated Information Theory.
- Consciousness-induced collapse models have faced criticism for being unnecessarily complicated.
- Some believe focused attention can influence how a system collapses in quantum experiments.
- Penrose and Hamaroff suggest that the collapse of the wave-function leads to consciousness, not the other way around.
