What does Schrödinger equation prove/mean?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of the Schrödinger equation and its implications for the concept of free will. Participants explore the dichotomy between determinism and libertarianism, emphasizing that the Schrödinger equation, developed by Erwin Schrödinger, describes the behavior of wave functions over time, allowing for the prediction of a particle's position in three-dimensional space. The conversation highlights the philosophical debate surrounding free will, suggesting that the equation does not inherently support or refute the existence of free will, as it is a tool for understanding quantum mechanics rather than a philosophical argument.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of determinism and libertarianism in philosophy
  • Basic grasp of wave functions and their significance in physics
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Philosophers, physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and free will debates.

kobeftw
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1. I am writing one page on if there is free will(using physics). I concluded that there is no free will and I am trying to use Schrödinger equation in my paper, but i don't understand what its proving/means.
And if possible can i get an example that will prove the equation(no math, just an example/situation in words.




2. Schrödinger equation



3. This is what have so far...

Many people believe that there is no free will; that before anything makes an action; something in the past triggered it. On the other, many people believe that there is free will and that nothing is determined prior to the action. These groups of people represent determinism and libertarianism, respectively. Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of matter and its interactions with energy at the atomic and subatomic scales. Erwin Schrödinger and a few others mainly developed this branch of physics. Schrödinger invented an equation of how wave functions of a physical system behave over time. So using this equation one could find the position of the particle in a three dimensional space in any given time.
 
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kobeftw said:
1. I am writing one page on if there is free will(using physics). I concluded that there is no free will and I am trying to use Schrödinger equation in my paper, but i don't understand what its proving/means.
And if possible can i get an example that will prove the equation(no math, just an example/situation in words.




2. Schrödinger equation



3. This is what have so far...

Many people believe that there is no free will; that before anything makes an action; something in the past triggered it. On the other, many people believe that there is free will and that nothing is determined prior to the action. These groups of people represent determinism and libertarianism, respectively. Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of matter and its interactions with energy at the atomic and subatomic scales. Erwin Schrödinger and a few others mainly developed this branch of physics. Schrödinger invented an equation of how wave functions of a physical system behave over time. So using this equation one could find the position of the particle in a three dimensional space in any given time.

This is not a legitimate exercise in physics. Einstein had a preference for a marble universe. This did not contradicted free will in philosophy. By definition if you can act in accordance with your nature you are exhibiting free will.

If you ask the wrong question, you can always get the wrong answer.
 
AC130Nav said:
This is not a legitimate exercise in physics. Einstein had a preference for a marble universe. This did not contradicted free will in philosophy. By definition if you can act in accordance with your nature you are exhibiting free will.

If you ask the wrong question, you can always get the wrong answer.

are u saying that Schrödinger agrees that there is free will?, and u didnt answer my question( what does Schrödinger equation mean)
 

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