The concept of superposition

[Ignat]

Materialism asserts that the material world is an objective reality that exists independently of consciousness. In classical physics, this view dominates: objects and processes exist independently of the observer, and their states can be determined objectively.

Quantum mechanics introduces concepts that can be interpreted as idealistic, especially in the context of the Copenhagen interpretation. An example is the concept of superposition.

In quantum mechanics, particles can be in a superposition of states until a measurement is performed. This phenomenon is observed at the level of atoms and subatomic particles. It means that the system does not have a defined state before the measurement.

The Copenhagen interpretation, in fact, asserts that the material world does not exist until a person makes a measurement. Quantum physics has now become a preacher of subjective idealism.

Subjective idealism is a philosophical position that asserts that reality exists only in the individual's mind. According to this point of view, the external world has no objective existence regardless of its perception and awareness by the subject. The main ideas of subjective idealism can be summarized in the following points:

Subjectivity of reality: Reality is subjective and depends on the perception and awareness of the individual. The external world has no objective existence independent of consciousness.

Consciousness as the foundation: Consciousness is the fundamental foundation of all existence. Everything that we perceive as reality is a product of our consciousness.

Absence of an objective world: There is no objective material world independent of consciousness. Everything that we perceive as the outside world is a construct of our consciousness.

I would like to ask experts in quantum physics, what happened before the creation of man?

 

[Classical Motion]

When you twist a mathematical line, you get the same line. No change.

When you twist a physical line, it shrinks and gives a new relative length. PLUS the line gains area and density.

Superposition is like this. There is math superposition and physical superposition.

One we understand and one we don't.

 

[Gibsense]

The Copenhagen interpretation, in fact, asserts that the material world does not exist until a person makes a measurement. Quantum physics has now become a preacher of subjective idealism.

Superposition is when a quantum system exists in multiple states at once. When you measure or observe the system, it "collapses" into one of those possible states, and that's what you end up seeing. The act of measurement forces the system to make a choice, so to speak. Before you measure it, it's like all the possibilities are in play at the same time. Once you measure, it's like the universe decides which one is the reality you'll observe.

You use some tool or other to make the observation. It is the act of applying the tool that causes the collapse and a person is not needed. That collapse process is happening all the time, everywhere. Anytime a quantum system interacts with something else or gets observed, it picks a state. Since the universe is full of interactions—particles bumping into each other, photons hitting stuff, and all kinds of measurements happening—it’s like a nonstop show of possibilities becoming a reality.

I view this as a timewave/process washing over a landscape of quantum possibilities causing the universe to collapse into a reality. Of course, this is not much help and I am definitely no expert. It does though suggest that the future leaves a number of choices indicating we are not 'fated' and in a way the choices available suggest that the future influences the present. It depends how you choose to look at it (pun intended)

 

[Ignat]

Superposition is when a quantum system exists in multiple states at once. When you measure or observe the system, it "collapses" into one of those possible states, and that's what you end up seeing. The act of measurement forces the system to make a choice, so to speak. Before you measure it, it's like all the possibilities are in play at the same time. Once you measure, it's like the universe decides which one is the reality you'll observe.

There is a current loop without an ammeter. Is the current in a superposition: is there current, is there no current? If an ammeter is connected to the circuit, does the wave function collapse?

 

[Gibsense]

There is a current loop without an ammeter. Is the current in a superposition: is there current, is there no current? If an ammeter is connected to the circuit, does the wave function collapse?

Do you suggest there is superposition involved, if so why?

 

[Ignat]

Do you suggest there is superposition involved, if so why?

The principle of superposition is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, according to which, if a quantum system to a valid state Ѱ1 and Ѱ2, then it is permissible and any linear combination Ѱ3 = с1Ѱ1 + с2Ѱ2; it is called a superposition of States Ѱ1и Ѱ2 (the principle of superposition of States). (Wikipedia)Ѱ1 - there is a current,Ѱ2 - there is no current

 

[Jim Franklin]

Materialism asserts that the material world is an objective reality that exists independently of consciousness. In classical physics, this view dominates: objects and processes exist independently of the observer, and their states can be determined objectively.

Quantum mechanics introduces concepts that can be interpreted as idealistic, especially in the context of the Copenhagen interpretation. An example is the concept of superposition.

In quantum mechanics, particles can be in a superposition of states until a measurement is performed. This phenomenon is observed at the level of atoms and subatomic particles. It means that the system does not have a defined state before the measurement.

The Copenhagen interpretation, in fact, asserts that the material world does not exist until a person makes a measurement. Quantum physics has now become a preacher of subjective idealism.

Subjective idealism is a philosophical position that asserts that reality exists only in the individual's mind. According to this point of view, the external world has no objective existence regardless of its perception and awareness by the subject. The main ideas of subjective idealism can be summarized in the following points:

Subjectivity of reality: Reality is subjective and depends on the perception and awareness of the individual. The external world has no objective existence independent of consciousness.

Consciousness as the foundation: Consciousness is the fundamental foundation of all existence. Everything that we perceive as reality is a product of our consciousness.

Absence of an objective world: There is no objective material world independent of consciousness. Everything that we perceive as the outside world is a construct of our consciousness.

I would like to ask experts in quantum physics, what happened before the creation of man?

Your post contains several philosophical and scientific misunderstandings about quantum mechanics and its implications. Let’s break it down systematically. You will have a mark at the end as if this was a Course Question.

1. Materialism and Classical Physics:
   Materialism does assert the independent existence of the material world, and classical physics operates under this assumption. However, quantum mechanics does not outright refute materialism; rather, it introduces complexities in how we understand the interaction between observers and the physical world. The idea that quantum mechanics promotes idealism is a misinterpretation of its principles.
2. Quantum Mechanics and Superposition:
   • In quantum mechanics, superposition describes a system existing in multiple states simultaneously until measured. This doesn’t mean the system "does not exist" before measurement; rather, its properties (like position or momentum) are not well-defined in classical terms.
   • Measurement in quantum mechanics doesn’t require a human observer; any interaction with the environment (a phenomenon called decoherence) effectively "collapses" the superposition. For example, particles interacting with other particles or fields in their environment can cause a collapse, independent of any conscious being.
3. Copenhagen Interpretation Misrepresentation:
   • The Copenhagen interpretation does not claim the material world ceases to exist without observation. Instead, it suggests that certain properties of quantum systems (like position or momentum) are not determined until measured. This interpretation is one of many, and none imply that reality depends solely on human consciousness. Such a nonsense concept would mean that the Universe would cease to exist if humans became extinct - clearly a preposterous position to hold.
   • A common misconception is that quantum mechanics supports "subjective idealism" or the notion that reality is purely a construct of the mind. This misrepresents the interpretation, which deals with the probabilistic nature of measurements, not the existence of reality itself.
4. Subjective Idealism and Quantum Mechanics:
   • Quantum mechanics does not advocate for subjective idealism. It describes the probabilistic behavior of particles and the mathematical framework to predict outcomes of measurements, but it does not address metaphysical claims about reality’s dependence on consciousness.
   • The idea that "reality exists only in the individual's mind" is a philosophical stance, not a scientific one. Physics provides models to describe and predict observable phenomena, not to dictate how reality should be philosophically interpreted.
5. What Happened Before Humans?
   The universe existed long before humans came into the picture, as evidenced by the cosmic microwave background radiation, the fossil record, and geological data. Quantum phenomena, like superposition or wavefunction collapse, were governed by the same physical laws billions of years before conscious observers emerged. The idea that reality needed human consciousness to exist conflates philosophical idealism with scientific evidence.

This post appears to conflate philosophical speculation with quantum mechanics, leading to conclusions unsupported by science. While quantum mechanics challenges our classical intuitions, it does not negate the existence of an objective reality. Measurements do not require human consciousness—they can involve any interaction between a quantum system and its environment.

If you're genuinely curious about these topics, I encourage you to explore resources on quantum decoherence and interpretations of quantum mechanics by credible physicists. It’s a fascinating field but often misunderstood due to oversimplified or sensationalised interpretations. D-