Schrodinger's Black Hole: Can we ever know what happens inside?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Stephen Hawking's information paradox regarding black holes and his recent attempts to resolve it. Participants explore the concept of information existing in a superposition state, as it cannot be measured from outside the event horizon. The analogy of Schrödinger's cat is used to illustrate the uncertainty of information within black holes, with a focus on Hawking's proposition that information may be retrievable through mechanisms like Hawking radiation. The conversation raises questions about the feasibility of accessing this information and the implications for our understanding of black holes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hawking radiation and its implications
  • Familiarity with the concept of event horizons in black hole physics
  • Knowledge of quantum superposition and its relevance to information theory
  • Basic grasp of the Schrödinger's cat thought experiment
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  • Research Stephen Hawking's latest papers on black hole information paradox
  • Explore quantum mechanics principles related to superposition and measurement
  • Investigate the implications of Hawking radiation on black hole thermodynamics
  • Study the philosophical implications of information preservation in black holes
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Physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in theoretical physics, particularly those exploring the nature of black holes and quantum information theory.

malthis
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I was pondering the information paradox presented by Hawking and the recent attempt by him to resolve it. I don't completely understand his answer, but it does seem to imply that the information might be in some kind of superposition, especially since it can't be measured by the universe outside the event horizon. The observer outside the event horizon will never even see what happens to the poor soul inside(the poor soul seeing eternity flash before his eyes). This would make it like the box with the black cat where, until the box is opened, we can only guess what has happened inside. With black holes i would have suspected the box never opens, even with hawking radiation emiting random energy. But Hawking now begs to differ. My question is how does Hawking suggest we open this BH 'box' and get the information out? I just don't know what the man is saying.

http://www.xent.com/pipermail/fork/Week-of-Mon-20040719/030991.html

BTW: I'm not entirely sold on the 'information must be preserved' idea when it comes to a black hole.
 
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