Is the Moon there when nobody looks at it?

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The discussion centers on the philosophical and scientific implications of whether the Moon exists when not observed, referencing Einstein's skepticism about observation-dependent reality. Participants explore the mathematics behind this idea, particularly Bell's Theorem and its relation to quantum mechanics, which suggests that particles do not have definite properties until measured. The conversation also touches on the nature of observation, questioning if devices like cameras count as "looking" and how this relates to macroscopic objects like the Moon. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards the notion that while the Moon exists regardless of observation, quantum mechanics complicates the understanding of reality at the particle level. The debate highlights the distinction between macroscopic and microscopic realities in the context of quantum theory.
  • #61
I used the moon as an example to illustrate the same question in the Quantum Physics Section of PF.

quantumcarl said:
If no human has observed the moon or been able to calculate its existence through studying its physical effects... does the moon exist under the terms and formulations of quantum mechanics?

this got quite a few replies from some excellent sources on PF not unlike this thread!

Here's the thread:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=106188
 
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  • #62
I did a google search and I found this article
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~hpu/Phys311_source/mermin_moon.pdf
 
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