1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 605: Consciousness collapse theory! Consciousness is supreme! Quantum Bayesian interpretation! What goes around comes around? Let a hundred flowers bloom!

After five consecutive days of high-intensity meetings, coupled with Li Qiwei’s “Bruce’s Cat” thought experiment.

The bigwigs present had a deeper and more systematic understanding of quantum mechanics.

The great theory of quantum mechanics consists of the following parts:

Two core concepts: quantum and wave-particle duality (matter wave).

Three major mathematical forms: matrix mechanics, wave mechanics, and path integrals.

Important inferences: uncertainty principle, quantum entanglement, etc.

School of Interpretation:

1. Probabilistic interpretation, complementary principle, superposition principle, wave function collapse. (Bruce's interpretation)
2.
For these top bosses in the world, axioms, theorems, inferences and conjectures need to be strictly distinguished.

Their authority decreases in order.

After analyzing the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, the experts reached several consensuses.

First, the two core concepts of quantum mechanics are axiomatic in nature and are recognized by everyone, without the need for over-explanation.

In other words, you no longer need to ask questions like "Why is the world quantum?"

Because that's the way the world is.

Second, the three major mathematical forms of quantum mechanics are theorems, recognized by everyone and are correct.

These three forms of expression are all derived through rigorous mathematical derivations based on experiments and theories.

And they have all been verified by experiments and are recognized theories.

Third, important inferences are also recognized.

Fourth, school interpretation is a personal interpretation of a theory based on one, two, and three, and there is a possibility of error.

Currently, the only interpretation of quantum mechanics is the Bruce interpretation, which takes probabilistic interpretation and wave function collapse as its core concepts.

What do the above four consensuses mean?

The theory of quantum mechanics itself is real physics.

Although matrix mechanics and wave mechanics have their own flaws, they can reasonably explain experimental phenomena and predict experimental results.

Therefore, these theories are correct theories in the eyes of physicists, and like Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics, they belong to mature system theories.

But quantum mechanics has its own particularities.

Many experimental phenomena cannot be explained using the concepts of classical physics.

Therefore, a new "physical language interpretation system" is needed.

And Bruce interpretation is this kind of interpretation system.

So, strictly speaking, Bruce's interpretation cannot be considered real physics, but rather a kind of "metaphysics".

In later generations, when the word "quantum mechanics" is used, it actually contains two meanings.

One is in a narrow sense, in which quantum mechanics only represents mathematical theoretical forms such as matrix mechanics and wave mechanics.

The other is broad, which is based on the content of narrow quantum mechanics and adds the content of the Copenhagen interpretation.

This is the distinction between theory and interpretation.

Physicists do not question a theory that has reached consensus, but they do question the interpretation of the theory.

Since it is an explanation based on personal experience, there must be more than one interpretation of quantum mechanics.

For example, Bruce interpretation and latent variable interpretation.

But no matter which interpretation is used, the quantum mechanics theory used is the same, and the experimental basis of the explanation is also the same.

Taking the wave function in the Schrödinger equation as an example, the Bruce interpretation considers it to be a probability wave, while Schrödinger considers it to be a real wave.

So the question is, which one should be taken as the standard?
It's very simple. The interpretation that can be self-consistent and predict and explain all experimental phenomena should be the standard.

The bigwigs originally thought that Bruce's interpretation was the best interpretation of quantum mechanics and was orthodox.

Because it can explain all currently known quantum phenomena, it has been recognized by the vast majority of people.

But then, the “Bruce’s Cat” thought experiment came up!
Bruce's interpretation was not very effective in explaining this issue and did not satisfy everyone.

Of course, this does not mean that the Bruce interpretation is wrong, or even that quantum mechanics is wrong.

But for this thought experiment alone, Bruce's interpretation is not perfect enough.

Therefore, Li Qiwei and Lorenz encouraged the bigwigs present to come up with new plans.

This is not about overthrowing matrix mechanics or wave mechanics, but about finding a new interpretation that can perfectly explain "Bruce's Cat".

That's the point of this discussion.

At this moment, Dirac’s proposal that “consciousness causes the collapse of the wave function” is a new interpretation of quantum mechanics, which belongs to the content 2 of the above school’s interpretation.

Facing the exclamations of the crowd, he spoke in an orderly manner with a calm face:
"In the Bruce interpretation, the wave function collapses because of the instrument's measurement."

"But the measuring instrument itself is also made up of countless microscopic particles."

"These microscopic particles also have their own wave functions."

“The essence of a wave function is a probability distribution.”

"If a microscopic particle with a wave function interferes with another microscopic particle with a wave function, the collapse process is uncertain."

"So I think the uncertainty is caused by something that is not bound by the laws of physics."

"That can only be human consciousness!"

“The essence of observation is the transmission of information, and the process of information transmission is certain.”

"And information is only meaningful to people."

"If people don't accept the information stored in the instrument, then the information is meaningless."

"So, only when a conscious person observes the quantum system will the wave function collapse and a definite result be obtained."

"If there is no consciousness involved, then the quantum system will always be in a superposition state."

"Back to Bruce's cat experiment."

"Suppose now there is a person A who opens the box and he already knows whether the cat is alive or dead."

"For A, the wave function has collapsed and the result is determined."

"But if A keeps it a secret and doesn't tell the results he saw, then for another person B, the system is still in a superposition state."

"Because A has now become part of the box system's wave function."

“When A tells B the cat’s life or death, B also knows the result, and at the same time B becomes part of the wave function.”

“This chain can go on indefinitely.”

Wow!
The whole audience was shocked!

The theory of consciousness collapse proposed by Dirac is really too incredible.

Consciousness dominates the world!

How can this be?

"Young people's thinking is really unrestrained. This is going to revolutionize physics."

The Dirac interpretation gives consciousness a transcendent status beyond the objective world.

It has even entered the realm of metaphysics.

So, someone immediately questioned:
"Dr. Dirac, consciousness is not a basic physics concept, but a complex biological phenomenon."

"Using consciousness to explain the collapse of the wave function violates the objective principles of physics."

"And from a biological perspective, the basis of consciousness is the human brain, which is also composed of countless microscopic particles."

"There is no difference in material composition between the brain and the unconscious apparatus."

“Consciousness is not special!”

Many people nodded.

This rebuttal is convincing.

However, Dirac said:
"I am only analyzing the results of Bruce's cat experiment itself."

"In this experiment, only by recognizing the special status of consciousness can the contradictory experimental results be explained." Dirac was unhurried and handled the matter with ease.

In real history, the theory of consciousness collapse was jointly proposed by Dirac's brother-in-law Wigner and von Neumann.

This interpretation directly and openly acknowledges that consciousness can affect the collapse of the wave function, which actually simplifies the problem.

Why do measuring instruments cause the wave function to collapse?

Because someone looked at the results of the measuring instruments.

It makes perfect sense logically.

The only drawback is that it is too imaginative and shocking.

"Are we humans really that awesome?"

"One look at the world and it collapses."

The theory of consciousness collapse takes humans a little too seriously.

Therefore, in later generations, there are not many physicists who support the theory of consciousness exploration.

However, Li Qiwei was very interested in this interpretation.

Human consciousness is the greatest miracle of creation in the universe, so what's wrong with it being special?

So he smiled and said:

“Dirac’s idea is very bold!”

“It goes beyond his original style.”

Dirac felt a little embarrassed when he heard this.

He is good at mathematics and rational thinking, but weak in conjecture.

Therefore, Li Qiwei once advised him to "think more".

"It doesn't matter how many mistakes you make, as long as you get one right, you'll make a lot of money."

Such a straightforward idea made Dirac laugh and cry.

He slowly tried to do so.

What he didn't know was that it wouldn't be long before he would come up with a major conjecture.

The discussion continues!

At this time, Born proposed a new explanation:
"It is possible to incorporate Bayesian probability into quantum mechanics."

“Quantum states are not objective entities, but rather expressions of the observer’s subjective beliefs about the system.”

“The results of measurements of quantum states reflect the belief states of individual agents, not physical reality that is independent of the observer.”

"Using Bayes' theorem, we can dynamically adjust the probability predictions of quantum systems."

Born was itching to get started, so he started writing formulas and doing calculations.

“When new evidence or information comes to light, an event that was originally assumed to be true will also change based on the emergence of new evidence.”

"To put it simply, if new information about a quantum state is obtained, the probability of the corresponding event will also change."

"If the Bayesian interpretation is adopted, then the collapse of the wave function is not a physical process, but the result of the observer updating his beliefs in response to the emergence of new evidence."

"This avoids the dilemma of defining the observer in Bruce's interpretation."

Wow!
Everyone was confused after hearing this.

Born's quantum Bayesian interpretation directly combines consciousness and mathematics.

Although it seems a little more "scientific" than Dirac's theory of consciousness collapse.

But by linking subjective experience with objective facts, the objectivity of the quantum system becomes a user manual for humans.

However, his interpretation can well explain the box experiment.

When a person appears in the box, his subjective consciousness receives updated information, so he thinks he is either alive or dead, and there is no superposition state.

Therefore, there is no superposition state.

It does sound a bit outrageous and incomprehensible.

However, Born went on to explain:
“The quantum Bayesian interpretation has another benefit.”

“It does not need to distinguish the boundary between the microscopic world and the macroscopic world. Everything is a calculation of probability.”

“The reason why the macroscopic world appears to be more [stable] is because the observer has enough information, so the belief is stronger.”

Many people immediately refuted:
“The quantum Bayesian interpretation still overemphasizes the role of idealism.”

Although consciousness also exists in Dirac's theory of consciousness collapse, this consciousness only plays a role of [determination].

As for what objective reality is like, it evolves on its own, and it is humans who ultimately determine the result.

The quantum Bayesian interpretation is even crazier. What objective reality is like is not determined by natural evolution, but by human beliefs.

It's almost like saying what you mean.

Heisenberg directly asked a decisive question:
"If objective reality is influenced by people's subjective beliefs."

"Then why do different people see the same results in the same experiment?"

Born was speechless.

Yes, if objective reality is influenced by people’s beliefs, then the world in everyone’s eyes should be different.

Moreover, when several people observe the same thing at the same time, why should it behave as you believe?

Lorentz, Planck and other senior leaders looked at the discussion and said with deep emotion:
"We old guys can't keep up with the times."

The Fourth Bruce Conference made them realize completely that the world of physics had changed!

If researchers in the new era want to achieve success, they must not stick to the old ways, but must think as divergently as possible.

Quantum mechanics, in particular, cannot be bound by anything.

Destroy your three views and establish a new life!
Subsequently, many people proposed new interpretations.

However, so far, no interpretation has been recognized by more than half of the bigwigs present.

This made everyone sigh:

"The beast that Professor Bruce released is going to turn quantum mechanics upside down. I'm afraid no one can tame it."

At this time, Einstein suddenly smiled and said:

"Bruce, you created this kitten that is both alive and dead. Don't you want to give it a perfect ending?"

Wow!
Everyone smiled knowingly and looked at Professor Bruce.

The man sat upright in his seat, looking like a majestic figure.

A pair of deep eyes contain infinite wisdom.

If there is anyone in this world who can explain Bruce's cat, it is most likely Professor Bruce himself.

Under everyone's expectations, Li Qiwei smiled slightly.

Although he has not yet completed the theory of everything and cannot give the ultimate answer.

However, in later generations, there are two interpretations that are recognized by many people.

So he smiled and said:

“I have been thinking about this issue.”

"After listening to everyone's discussion just now, I have two ideas."

"I share them here to stimulate discussion."

“I hope that after this meeting, a genius will be able to put an end to this incredible cat.”

Wow!
Everyone was shocked!

Few people rack their brains to come up with one interpretation, but Professor Bruce gives two at random.

The gap is too big.

(End of this chapter)