Consciousness and quantum theory

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between consciousness and quantum theory, particularly the idea that consciousness may play a role in the collapse of the wave function, as suggested by John Wheeler. Participants debate the validity of this hypothesis, with some arguing that consciousness is unnecessary for wave function collapse, while others propose that it may be an illusion created by consciousness itself. The conversation highlights the ongoing uncertainty in theoretical physics regarding the role of consciousness, with references to various interpretations such as Bohm's theory and the many-worlds interpretation. Ultimately, the consensus indicates that while consciousness may influence perception, it is not required for the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics to function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, including wave function collapse
  • Familiarity with interpretations of quantum theory, such as the many-worlds interpretation and Bohm's causal interpretation
  • Knowledge of key figures in quantum theory, including John Wheeler and David Bohm
  • Basic grasp of the philosophical implications of consciousness in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics to understand wave function behavior
  • Explore the many-worlds interpretation and its implications for consciousness
  • Study Bohm's causal interpretation and its critiques regarding consciousness
  • Investigate experimental approaches to test the influence of consciousness on quantum phenomena
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, philosophers of science, and anyone interested in the intersection of consciousness and quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion. It provides insights into ongoing debates and encourages further exploration of complex theoretical concepts.

  • #151
Originally posted by phoenixthoth
do you hear the grasshopper?
What about your 3 minutes?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Would this experiment prove consciousness causes collapse
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Measurement in QFT: Mapping Fields to Theory's Math Formalism
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Graduate Can particles appear and disappear "with" a cause?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Question about quantum superposition
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Why don't we bury Schrodinger's Cat?
  • · Replies 143 ·
5
Replies
143
Views
11K
Undergrad Feedback on Educational Script: What's a particle in QFT?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Macroscopic systems in the quantum theory book by Asher Peres
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
High School Is Simulation Theory the Key to Understanding Quantum Mechanics?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
Graduate Where does Von Neumann say that consciousness causes collapse
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
High School Is spacetime a quantum error correcting code?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K