The discussion centers on the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, specifically how subatomic particles exhibit different behaviors when observed. It is established that a particle does not possess a definite value until a measurement is conducted, leading to the "collapse" of its state into an eigenstate of the observable measured. This principle is a fundamental axiom of quantum mechanics, with no deeper explanation provided. The identity of the observer, whether a sentient human or a non-sentient robot, does not influence the measurement outcome, as measurements are typically made by devices, with humans interpreting the results.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, quantum mechanics students, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of observation in quantum theory.
The dynamic quantity being measured does not have a definite value until a measurement is made.curiosity1 said:Summary: Measurement problem of quantum mechanics
Why do subatomic particles change what they do when observed?
It makes no difference what makes the measurement. Most if not all, measurements are made by measurement devices and human beings only look at the output from those.curiosity1 said:What happens if a non-sentient robot does the observing? How does that compare with a sentient human doing the observing? Thank you.