Does Quantum Decoherence Imply Permanent Superposition for Humans?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of quantum decoherence on the concept of superposition, particularly in relation to humans. Participants explore whether decoherence suggests that humans exist in a permanent state of superposition or if it merely conceals such states. The conversation includes theoretical interpretations of quantum mechanics and the nature of the environment in quantum systems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that quantum decoherence implies that objects, including humans, may exist in a permanent superposition of states, while others question this interpretation.
  • Decoherence is described as occurring when objects interact sufficiently with their environment, suggesting that the timescale for superpositions is dependent on the quality of the experimental setup.
  • There is a challenge regarding the definition of 'environment' in quantum mechanics, with some arguing that it cannot be classical and questioning the nature of its interaction with superposed systems.
  • One participant suggests that decoherence does not erase superposition but rather hides it, leading to further discussion about the implications of this view.
  • The interpretation of quantum mechanics significantly influences opinions on whether humans exist in permanent superposition, with references to many-worlds and collapse interpretations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of decoherence and the nature of superposition, indicating that multiple competing interpretations of quantum mechanics are present in the discussion. There is no consensus on whether humans exist in permanent superposition or the role of decoherence in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on interpretations of quantum mechanics, which may lead to varying conclusions about the nature of superposition and decoherence. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the definitions and roles of classical versus quantum environments.

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does quantum decoherence mean object is leaking into the environment and actually exists permentely as a superstion of states?
 
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Decoherence happens if the objects interacts (enough) with the environment. If you have no such interaction, you don't get decoherence. The timescale for superpositions just depends on the quality of the setup.
 
What do people mean by 'environment' and how is it different from systems in superposition? The 'environment' can't be classical as there is no evidence that anything similar to classical environment exists. It's too much of a magic without some form of reality splitting(or continuous measurement), is it not?

How does a probability wave interact with a collapsed probability 'wave'?
 
we are obviously objects, does that mean humans exist in permenant superpostion?

decohrence doesn't erase supersotion does it? just hides it
 
this forum used to be busy. now its ages before you get a reply!
 
The afternoon (US time zones) of the 24.12. is probably not the busiest day of the year in the forums.

we are obviously objects, does that mean humans exist in permenant superpostion?
That depends on your favorite interpretation of quantum mechanics.

decohrence doesn't erase supersotion does it? just hides it
If you answer this with "yes", you get the many worlds interpretation or similar, otherwise you get collapse interpretations. If you think the question itself is meaningless, you get even more different interpretations.
 

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