Is the unobservable universe free from quantum indeterminism?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the unobservable universe in relation to quantum indeterminism and determinism as described by quantum mechanics. It explores the implications of measurements, wavefunction collapse, and the potential influence of entanglement across the particle horizon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that quantum mechanics is deterministic at the level of Schrödinger's equation, with indeterminism arising only during measurements and wavefunction collapse.
  • There is a question about whether the unobservable universe is free from quantum indeterminacy due to the lack of measurements that can be performed on it.
  • One participant raises the issue of entanglement between the observable and unobservable universe, questioning if measurements in the observable universe could affect the unobservable universe through wavefunction collapse.
  • Another point suggests that the universe might be completely deterministic if no intelligent life forms exist to make measurements, highlighting the interpretation-dependent nature of this claim.
  • One participant asserts that the unobservable universe is a "known unknowable," indicating its inherent limitations in understanding.
  • Another argues that discussing physics in the unobservable universe may only lead to philosophical questions, given the impossibility of conducting experiments there.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of quantum mechanics in the unobservable universe, with no consensus reached on whether it can be considered free from indeterminism or if it remains a philosophical inquiry.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the definitions of determinism and indeterminism, the role of measurements, and the implications of quantum non-locality in the context of general relativity.

petergreat
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At the Schrödinger's equation level, quantum mechanics is completely deterministic. The probabilistic nature of QM only kicks in when measurements and wavefunction collapse take place. So does this mean that the portion of the universe outside the particle horizon is free from quantum indeterminacy, since we cannot perform measurements on it?

The only problem I see is that if entanglement (due to causal decoupling from inflation) between observable and unobservable universe exists, then measurements on the observable universe can cause wavefunction collapse in the unobservable universe. However, the assumption is that quantum non-locality can penetrate the barrier of GR causal separation. Is this generally considered valid?

At a more exotic level, can we claim that the universe would be completely deterministic if there were no intelligent life forms, because no measurement would ever takes place? I suppose the answer to this question is interpretation-dependent?
 
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As you say, the answers to your questions are interpretation dependent.
 
Unobservable universe is a known unknowable.
 
Physics is related to experiments. If we cannot even do an experiment in the unobservable universe, why should we talk about the physics there? I think it will only be a philosophical question then.
 

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