Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2004-02-18
Foundations of Physics 35 (2005) 1943
Physics
Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
10.1007/s10701-005-8656-1
It is generally agreed that decoherence theory is, if not a complete answer, at least a great step forward towards a solution of the quantum measurement problem. It is shown here however that in the cases in which a sentient being is explicitly assumed to take cognizance of the outcome the reasons we have for judging this way are not totally consistent, so that the question has to be considered anew. It is pointed out that the way the Broglie-Bohm model solves the riddle suggests a possible clue, consisting in assuming that even very simple systems may have some sort of a proto-consciousness, but that their ``internal states of consciousness'' are not predictive. It is, next, easily shown that if we imagine the systems get larger, in virtue of decoherence their internal states of consciousness progressively gain in predictive value. So that, for macro-systems, they may be identified (in practice) with the predictive states of consciousness on which we ground our observational predictions. The possibilities of carrying over this idea to standard quantum mechanics are then investigated. Conditions of conceptual consistency are considered and found rather strict, and, finally, two solutions emerge, differing conceptually very much from one another but in both of which the, possibly non-predictive, generalized internal states of consciousness play a crucial role.
No associations
LandOfFree
Consciousness and the Wigner's friend problem does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Consciousness and the Wigner's friend problem, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Consciousness and the Wigner's friend problem will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-181249