Can you define information without referring to consciousness?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on defining knowledge or information without referencing consciousness, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics (QM). DrChinese highlights that in the double slit experiment, the possibility of knowing which slit a particle goes through eliminates interference, leading to characteristic bands. The conversation emphasizes that while information theory is mathematical and does not involve consciousness, the concept of knowledge inherently requires consciousness. The thread concludes with a consensus that consciousness-based approaches to QM are generally dismissed as unscientific.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically the double slit experiment.
  • Familiarity with information theory, particularly the Shannon-Hartley theorem.
  • Knowledge of quantum decoherence and its implications in quantum physics.
  • Basic grasp of the philosophical implications of consciousness in scientific discourse.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Shannon-Hartley theorem and its applications in information theory.
  • Explore quantum decoherence and its role in understanding quantum systems.
  • Investigate the philosophical debates surrounding consciousness and its relation to knowledge.
  • Examine critiques of consciousness-based interpretations of quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, physicists, cognitive scientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of consciousness and quantum mechanics.

bcrelling
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Any consciousness based approach to QM will be dismissed as woo in the main forum.

However it's admitted that (with refernece to the double slit experiment):

"To be clear, the rule for interference in these cases: if it is possible, in principle, to know which slit the particle goes through, there is NO interference and there will just be the 2 characteristic bands." -DrChinese

So my question is- can you define knowledge or information in a way which does not refer to consciousness?
 
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Last edited:
Going strictly by the title of this thread, I expected it to be about the US Congress. This is disappointing.
 
bcrelling said:
Any consciousness based approach to QM will be dismissed as woo in the main forum.

However it's admitted that (with refernece to the double slit experiment):

"To be clear, the rule for interference in these cases: if it is possible, in principle, to know which slit the particle goes through, there is NO interference and there will just be the 2 characteristic bands." -DrChinese

So my question is- can you define knowledge or information in a way which does not refer to consciousness?


Yes. Information theory is completely mathematical. But they aren't talking about meaning. I don't see any way to talk about knowledge or meaning without consciousness.

However I must say I never thought consciousness had anything to do with QM. Though I guess Neils Bohr thought so, and he is much smarter than I.
 
bcrelling said:
Any consciousness based approach to QM will be dismissed as woo in the main forum.
It's woo here too, the same rules apply throughout the forum.

Thread closed.
 

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