Schrodinger's Cat - your opinions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Schrödinger's Cat thought experiment, focusing on its significance in physics and the various interpretations of quantum mechanics that influence understanding of superposition and measurement. Participants are invited to share their views, which may include conflicting perspectives on the experiment's implications and relevance today.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to include diverse opinions on the significance of Schrödinger's Cat in their report, highlighting the impact of different interpretations of quantum mechanics on the understanding of superposition and measurement collapse.
  • Another participant raises the question of the boundary between macroscopic and quantum worlds, suggesting that the measurement problem is central to understanding where superpositions occur and when they cease to exist.
  • This participant also references Einstein's debate regarding the completeness of quantum mechanics, framing the Schrödinger's Cat experiment as a means to clarify issues within quantum mechanics or general relativity.
  • Some participants remind others that the topic has been extensively discussed previously and suggest using the forum's search function for more information.
  • A warning is issued against veering into philosophical discussions, indicating that such discussions should be reserved for a different forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the Schrödinger's Cat experiment and its implications for quantum mechanics. There is no consensus on the interpretations or the relevance of the experiment, and the discussion remains open-ended.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include potential assumptions about the nature of superpositions and the definitions of terms used in quantum mechanics. The scope of the discussion may also be restricted by the forum's rules regarding philosophical content.

xDAW
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Hello everyone,
I'm currently taking the EPQ, a qualification where the student is tasked to form a report of some kind. For mine, I'm writing a 5000 word report about the Schrödinger's Cat thought experiment and what significance it holds in physics.
As part of my report, I want to include the views of others to illustrate any conflicting views between individuals and to aid in coming towards an overall conclusion at the end of the said report (of course I will be including my own as well, don't think I'm doing this to lessen my own work load).
So I ask of you just to give me your views on the Schrödinger's Cat thought experiment in physics, saying if you think it holds any significance and why, or any problems with the experiment.
I myself am going to write my own views in the report, referencing to how that answers to the questions posed by Schrödinger's Cat of how long superpositions last and when they collapse, if they even collapse at all, depends on what interpretation of quantum mechanics you are going by. I know that many of interpretations of quantum mechanics have come about after Erwin's time, but surely this could affect the credibility and significance of the experiment in today's time?
Even if you decide not to reply to this, thank you very much for taking the time to read this post and I look forward to any replies.
 
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Tip: Schrödinger's Cat has been discussed here many many times. You might like to try the "Search" link at the top of the page. Use the "Search PF via Google" option.
 
The Schrödinger's cat experiment makes me wonder where the difference between the macroscopic, and QM worlds meet. I think that it can be called the 'measurment problem'. I think that when wondering as to the outcome of the cat, the ultimate question is instead; At what level do superpositions occur and at what level do they stop. Where is the threshold? And is their one?
I think that more specifcly. The ultimate question could become, "Is QM a complete description of reality?" Spoken by Einstein, in his long debate with Bell. In my mind, this is what the Schrödinger cat esperment is about, simply clarifying a problem in either QM or GR, or somewhere in between. I hope this helped, but I wouldn't be suprised if you knew all of this already. good luck!
 
As jtbell has stated, this topic has been discussed ad nauseum. Please do a search in this forum, which include several important papers published on this topic.

This also should not verge on a philosophical discussion, because it will be closed if it does. All philosophical discussion on this topic must be done in the Philosophy forum in accordance to the rules of that forum.

Zz.
 

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