Simple intro about Schrödinger's cat metaphor

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    Intro Schrodinger's cat
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Schrödinger's cat metaphor, emphasizing the importance of consulting original sources rather than relying on sensationalized interpretations found in popular science. Participants agree that while entanglement is an established observational fact, misconceptions persist due to oversimplified narratives. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in understanding quantum theory (QT) and encourages newcomers to engage with the complexities of physics rather than dismissing them as absurd. This approach aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the subject among beginners.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum theory (QT)
  • Familiarity with the concept of entanglement
  • Ability to differentiate between popular science narratives and scientific literature
  • Basic knowledge of measurement outcomes in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of quantum entanglement in modern physics
  • Study the original works of Schrödinger and their interpretations
  • Explore articles that clarify quantum measurement outcomes
  • Investigate the role of popular science in shaping public understanding of physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of quantum mechanics and its interpretations, particularly those who have encountered misleading popular science explanations.

houlahound
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Very brief and no math, the author is more about the veracity of checking original sources over retelling pop sci stories.

All has been said here previously but scattered over many threads and easy to miss for newbs.

Might be helpful to beginners who's only exposure is sensational pop sci.

https://betterexplained.com/articles/gotcha-shrodingers-cat/
 
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Well, but this article also gets it wrong. Entanglement is nowadays an established observational fact, and you cannot simply claim as Schrödinger did that it's simply "absurd" and that's why you don't need to care.

For me, the only way out today is to take QT seriously and that the meaning of quantum states is that of probabilities about the outcome of measurements and nothing else. We had tons of useless discussions on these interpretational issues never coming to a conclusion. We don't need to repeat them in yet another thread.
 
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Don't disagree but please consider that IMO a lot of newbs find there way to this forum precisely because of the pop sci interpretation stuff.

an opportunity to engage them and steer them to thinking clearer and to appreciate what physics really is?
 

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