Thread Closed

Is the unobservable universe free from quantum indeterminism?

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Mar5-10, 06:44 PM   #1
 

Is the unobservable universe free from quantum indeterminism?


At the Schrodinger's equation level, quantum mechanics is completely deterministic. The probabilistic nature of QM only kicks in when measurements and wavefunction collapse take place. So does this mean that the portion of the universe outside the particle horizon is free from quantum indeterminacy, since we cannot perform measurements on it?

The only problem I see is that if entanglement (due to causal decoupling from inflation) between observable and unobservable universe exists, then measurements on the observable universe can cause wavefunction collapse in the unobservable universe. However, the assumption is that quantum non-locality can penetrate the barrier of GR causal separation. Is this generally considered valid?

At a more exotic level, can we claim that the universe would be completely deterministic if there were no intelligent life forms, because no measurement would ever takes place? I suppose the answer to this question is interpretation-dependent?
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
physics news on PhysOrg.com

>> As chaos celebrates its 50th birthday, biophysicist develops a new method to visualize it
>> Novel features of helium-3 superfluidity discovered with new SQUID detector chip
>> Physics of 'green waves' could make city traffic flow more smoothly
Mar6-10, 04:10 AM   #2
 
Blog Entries: 19
Recognitions:
Science Advisor Science Advisor
As you say, the answers to your questions are interpretation dependent.
Mar6-10, 04:40 AM   #3
 
Unobservable universe is a known unknowable.
Mar6-10, 11:34 AM   #4
 

Is the unobservable universe free from quantum indeterminism?


Physics is related to experiments. If we cannot even do an experiment in the unobservable universe, why should we talk about the physics there? I think it will only be a philosophical question then.
Thread Closed

Tags
cosmology, entanglement, quantum mechanics
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: Is the unobservable universe free from quantum indeterminism?
Thread Forum Replies
uncertainty versus indeterminism: formulation? Quantum Physics 0
Dark matter or just unobservable? Astrophysics 1
Electron indeterminism Problem Quantum Physics 42
Indeterminism... General Math 18
Super Free Will: Metaprogramming and Quantum Indeterminism General Discussion 34