Undergrad A question about the other observers

  • Thread starter Thread starter EclogiteFacies
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion centers around the interpretations of Thomas Breuer's work in quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the concept of a "distinguished observer." Breuer argues that observers cannot fully predict their own behavior due to the indistinguishability of initial states, leading to implications that challenge traditional views of consciousness and free will. Critics express skepticism about the original poster's extreme interpretations, suggesting they misrepresent Breuer's theories and do not align with mainstream physics perspectives. The conversation highlights a general consensus that Breuer's work does not support solipsism or the idea that other observers lack consciousness. Overall, the thread reveals confusion and concern over the misapplication of quantum mechanics to philosophical claims about consciousness.
  • #31
EclogiteFacies said:
What about post #21?

I didn't get the impression you were hinting at staclexchange stuff being right

Correct.
 
  • Like
Likes JamieSalaor
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
AlexCaledin said:
we can know, in principle, the observable properties of any particularly interesting thing, even of some piece of a human brain

Yes, if you only need to know particular observable properties that are compatible with each other.

AlexCaledin said:
all such properties together do specify the actual spacetime universe

You can't know all such properties together. You can only know a subset of them. That subset is not sufficient to specify an entire state for the universe.
 
  • #33
EclogiteFacies said:
What about post #21?

I didn't get the impression you were hinting at staclexchange stuff being right

I'm going to give Hartle's work a read.
Thanks for everything!

Honestly mate don't worry about it. That stackexchange stuff was nutty...
 
  • Like
Likes PeroK

Similar threads

  • · Replies 190 ·
7
Replies
190
Views
16K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 108 ·
4
Replies
108
Views
11K
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
8K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
6K
  • · Replies 140 ·
5
Replies
140
Views
12K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K