Is Reality as We Know It Just an Illusion?

[RichyRich]

How real is reality?!

Given what we know about quantum physics and the result of 2-slit experiments, is reality really how we view it?

 

[_PJ_]

It depends on what you consider a definition of 'reality'.

What happens on the micropscopic realm, though bearrs little or no resemblance to our perceived experience of macroscopic events.

Since only probabilities can be resolved in quantum systems, the nature of reality is unknowable or does not even exist until interaction/observation occurs. Dependiong on the type of ionteraction/observation, there is a sentiment of choice in what reality is resolved.

 

[A. Neumaier]

Given what we know about quantum physics and the result of 2-slit experiments, is reality really how we view it?

See the discussion in the thread https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=474537

 

[jamjr1979]

Materialistic physicists basis for reality stems from a material ground of being, the abosolute in this being that we do all scientific experiments objectively as physically possible. Science done on the ground of subjective and objective should change the perception of reality. So the question is really about consciouness being the ground of being or matter, local or non-local and this relates to quantam mechanics. Physical manifestion doesn't occur without the conscience of an observer(interaction). Does the probablity wave physically collapse? We don't have the ability to physically manfiest objects with thought, semantics aside, memories of course debate ensues. Perception of reality is the combination of the information we recieve, so like truth, it is relative to the observer. So is it real, i choose yes, how real I don't have a scale for so it is immeasurable. Quantam measurement paradox, the choices just keep adding up.

 

[bcrowell]

We don't have the ability to physically manfiest objects with thought, semantics aside, memories of course debate ensues.

Could you spell out your reasoning here, preferably with equations and references to the literature?

 

[yoda jedi]

Given what we know about quantum physics and the result of 2-slit experiments, is reality really how we view it?

your question is:

Does the quantum state represent reality or our knowledge of reality?

in ψ-epistemic models, there exist distinct quantum states that correspond to overlapping probability distributions in that case the quantum state can considered to be truly epistemic, that is, a representation of an observer’s knowledge of reality rather than reality itself (incomplete, hidden variables).
in ψ-ontic models, distinct quantum states correspond to disjoint probability distributions over the space of ontic states in the theory is consistent with only one pure quantum state and can be complete and incomplete (ψ-supplemented, hidden variables).

the ψ-complete view is the interpretation that takes the quantum state alone to be a complete description of reality (not hidden variables).

 

[hacker]

Yeah I always wondered that question as well!
I mean, how do we know the moon is still there when we're not looking at it? Its possible to find out is it now, because quantum theory explains that by just merely looking at the subatomic particles we disrupt their very behaviour. So, what then comes to mind is that : does reality still exist when we are sleeping or does it only materialize when we look at it?
I'm only 15 so... :)

 

[Drakkith]

This isn't a question of physics, but of philosophy. Does the moon still exist when we aren't looking at it? Of course. What makes us different from anything else in the universe? Conciousness? Sorry, I don't buy it. If an electron collides with another electron a billion light years away from anything "alive" I'd be willing to bet that both electrons are real and there.

 

[Maui]

Does the moon still exist when we aren't looking at it? Of course. What makes us different from anything else in the universe?

I thought he questioned the realness of "anything else in the universe" until he looked.

The question is more about the nature of existence, not so much about the nature of reality. While some think they understand the nature of reality(usually based on some primitive common-sense model), in a wider sense, the nature of existence is completely unknowable.

 

[ZapperZ]

This belongs in the philosophy forum. However, it must be presented in a clear fashion with proper citations. Thus, this thread cannot be moved there as is since its current form does not conform to the requirement of that forum.

Zz.