Panpsychism and neutral monism

Usually, the idea of probability is applied only to the random motion in physics. Here, the instant probability concept is obtained by applying the probability approach to objects with deterministic motion trajectories via a coin falling to the ground as an example. Applied this concept to understand quantum mechanics, the following conclusions are inferred: The wave function/quantum state represents an instant probability distribution of physical quantities after taking into account Planck's constant; the collapse of the wave function is a special case of any function on time-dependent probability prediction has to collapse when performing measurement. The arrangement of measurements will affect the observed results; Quantum mechanics reveals the existence of non-local effects, which have nothing to do with the interaction in classical physics. Quantum mechanics cannot answer questions such as whether the cat is dead or alive before opening the box. The correct answer to this kind of question has to be from classic physics.

At present, there are two possible, and equally plausible, explanations for the physics of quantum measurement. The first explanation, known as the many-worlds interpretation, does not require any modification of quantum mechanics, and asserts that at the time of measurement the Universe splits into many branches, one branch for every possible alternative. The various branches do not interfere with each other because of decoherence, thus providing a picture broadly consistent with the observed Universe. The second explanation, which requires quantum mechanics to be modified from its presently known form, is that at the time of measurement the wave-function collapses into one of the possible alternatives. The two explanations are mutually exclusive, and up until now, no theoretical reasoning has been put forward to choose one explanation over the other. In this article, we provide an argument which implies that the collapse interpretation is favored over the many-worlds interpretation. Our starting point is the assertion (which we justify) that there ought to exist a reformulation of quantum mechanics which does not refer to a classical spacetime manifold. The need for such a reformulation implies that quantum theory becomes non-linear on the Planck mass/energy scale. Standard linear quantum mechanics is an approximation to this non-linear theory, valid at energy scales much smaller than the Planck scale. Using ideas based on noncommutative differential geometry, we develop such a reformulation and derive a non-linear Schr\{o}dinger equation, which can explain collapse of the wave-function. We also obtain an expression for the lifetime of a quantum superposition. We suggest ideas for an experimental test of this model.

According to a procedure previously introduced from Y. Ilamed and N. Salingaros, we start giving proof of two existing Clifford algebras, the Si that has isomorphism with that one of Pauli matrices and the Ni,±1 where Ni stands for the dihedral Clifford algebra. The salient feature is that we show that the Ni,±1 may be obtained from the Si algebra when we attribute a numerical value (+1 or −1) to one of the basic elements (e1,e2,e3) of the Si. We utilize such result to advance a criterium under which the Si algebra has as counterpart the description of quantum systems that in standard quantum mechanics are considered in absence of observation and quantum measurement while the Ni,±1 attend when a quantum measurement is performed on such system with advent of wave function collapse. The physical content of the criterium is that the quantum measurement with wave function collapse induces the passage in the considered quantum system from the Si to Ni,+1 or to the Ni,−1 algebras, where each algebra has of course its proper rules of commutation. After a proper discussion on the difference between decoherence and wave function collapse, we re-examine the von Neumann postulate on quantum measurement, and we give a proper justification of such postulate by using the Si algebra. Soon after we study some applications of the above mentioned criterium to some cases of interest in standard quantum mechanics, analyzing in particular a two state quantum system, the case of time dependent interaction of such system with a measuring apparatus and finally the case of a quantum system plus measuring apparatus developed at the order n=4 of the considered Clifford algebras and of the corresponding density matrix in standard quantum mechanics. In each of such cases examined, we find that the passage from the algebra Si to Ni,±1, considered during the quantum measurement of the system, actually describes the collapse of the wave function. Therefore we conclude that the actual quantum measurement has as counterpart in the Clifford algebraic description, the passage from the Si to the Ni,±1 Clifford algebras, reaching in this manner the objective to reformulate von Neumann postulate on quantum measurement and proposing a self-consistent formulation of quantum theory.

This chapter provides a brief introduction to some key concepts of quantum theory that are contrasted with their classical analogs. By means of simple examples, the aim is to develop an intuition for notions such as quantum state, observables, superposition, Born’s rule, collapse of the wave function, Schrödinger’s equation, quantum interference, Heisenberg uncertainty, and incompatibility of observables. The hope is to provide a readable account on these core ideas of quantum theory that is accessible to readers from disciplines other than physics. The mathematical framework is developed from scratch, but some familiarity with basic linear algebra and probability theory will be assumed.

Approaches for improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics

Although many people have thought that the difference between the Copenhagen and many-worlds versions of quantum theory was merely metaphysical, quantum cosmology may allow us to make a physical test to distinguish between them empirically. The difference between the two versions shows up when the various components of the wavefunction have different numbers of observers and observations. In the Copenhagen version, a random observation is selected from the sample within the component that is selected by wavefunction collapse, but in the many-worlds version, a random observation is selected from those in all components. Because of the difference in the samples, probable observations in one version can be very improbable in the other version.

The Schrodinger equation is introduced and applied to some elementary problems: particle-in-a box, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. The representation of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues is discussed, employing linear operators and matrices. The quantum theory of spin, as well as the Pauli exclusion principle, are described. These enable a theoretical understanding of atomic structure and the periodic table. The two disparate modes of time-dependence of a quantum system–unitary evolution and collapse of the wavefunction–are contrasted.

Based on the phase-space path integral (functional integral) for a system with a regular or singular Lagrangian, the generalized Ward identities for phase space generating functional under the global transformation in phase space are derived respectively. The canonical Noether theorem at the quantum level is also established. It is pointed out that the connection between the symmetries and conservation laws in classical theories, in general,is no longer preserved in quantum theories. The advantage of our formulation is that we do not need to carry out the integration over the canonical momenta as usually performed. Applying the present formulation to Yang-Mills theory, the quantal BRS conserved quantity and Ward-Takahashi identity for BRS tranformation are derived; the Ward identities for gaugeghost proper vertices and new quantal conserved quantity are also found. In comparison of quantal conservation laws with those one deriving from configuration-space path integral using the Faddeev-Popov(F-P) trick is discussed. A precise study of path-integral quantisation for a nonlinear sigma model with Hopf and Chern-Simons (CS) terms is reexamined. It has been shown that the angular momentum at the quantum level is equal to classical (Noether ) one. Applying our formulation to non-Abelian CS theory, the quantal conserved angular momentum of this system is obtained which differs from classical one in that one needs to take into account the contribution of angular momenta of ghost fields.

It is pointed out that ordinary quantum mechanics as a classical field theory cannot account for the wave function collapse if it is not seen within the framework of field quantization. That is needed to understand the particle structure of matter during wave function evolution and to explain the collapse as symmetry breakdown by detection. The decay of a two-particle bound s state and the Stern-Gerlach experiment serve as examples. The absence of the nonlocality problem in Bohm’s version of the EPR arrangement favours the approach described.

The paper contains a discussion on two kinds of coincidence experiments. First, a standard two-photon coincidence experiment is considered and it is shown that its outcomes are incompatible with any classical radiation theory because of the role of the state vector reduction phenomenon in such an experiment. In the second part of the paper a proposed new kind of photon coincidence experiment is discussed. The classical and quantum predictions for the outcomes of this experiment differ dramatically and therefore the experiment should constitute a new limitation to the classical radiation theories. The proposed experiment should also yield information about the kinematics of the reduction of the state vector process.

IS A GRAVITON DETECTABLE?

This paper introduces a groundbreaking synthesis of fundamental quantum mechanics with the Advanced Observer Model (AOM), presenting a unified framework that reimagines the construction of reality. AOM highlights the pivotal role of the observer in shaping reality, where classical notions of time, space, and energy are reexamined through the quantum lens. By engaging with key quantum equations—such as the Schrödinger equation, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and Dirac equation—the paper demonstrates how AOM unifies the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics with the determinism of classical physics. Central to this exploration is the Sequence of Quantum States (SQS) and Constant Frame Rate (CFR), which align with concepts like quantum superposition, entanglement, and wave function collapse. The model’s implications extend to how observers perceive reality, proposing that interference patterns between wave functions form the foundation of observable phenomena. By offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between determinacy and indeterminacy, AOM lays a robust theoretical foundation for future inquiry into quantum physics and the philosophy of consciousness.

This paper presents an elementary introduction to Consistent Quantum Theory\n(CQT), as developed by Griffiths and others over the past 25 years. The theory\nis a version of orthodox(Copenhagen) quantum mechanics, based on the notion\nthat the unique and mysterious feature of quantum, as opposed to classical,\nsystems is the simultaneous existence of multiple incompatible representations\nof reality, referred to as "frameworks". A framework is a maximal set of\nproperties of a system for which probabilities can be consistently defined.\nThis notion is expressed by saying that a framework provides an exhaustive set\nof exclusive alternatives (ESEA), but no single framework suffices to fully\ncharacterize a quantum system. Indeed, the existence of multiple incompatible\nframeworks is the hallmark of quantum mechanical behavior. Any prediction of\nthe theory must be confined to a single framework and combining elements from\ndifferent frameworks leads to quantum mechanically meaningless statements. This\n"single framework rule" is the precise mathematical statement of Bohr's\ncomplementarity. It is shown that if the microscopic description is assumed to\nincorporate these elements in a local setting, then distant entanglements,\nmacroscopic measurements, wave function collapse and other mysterious features\nof quantum behavior follow in a logical manner. The essential elements of the\ntheory are first explained using the simplest quantum system, a single spin-1/2\ndegree of freedom at one time.\n

As the quantum models of consciousness are becoming more and more prominent for theoretical models of consciousness, more dimensions of consciousness are being discovered. At the same time, the need to pin-point the element of consciousness is becoming more and more important. Parallal to these researches, several cognitive models of consciousness have also been propounded. With more and more results of cognitive studies, we are coming to know that like consciousness, attention is also a basic function of human psychology and both are very intricately related to each other, some- times even overlapping with each other. Perhaps this has been the reason either the cognitive functions of attention have been completely over-looked or have been mistakenly used synonymously with consciousness in the theories of the latter. This is especially true for QM theories of consciousness. Because of not taking attention into account, some of the most basic assumptions of QM models of consciousness have been erroneous. In this article, we review the literature of basic theories of QM and at the same time, we will see that several important roles of attention in these theories are missing. This is because in most of the theories, attention has either been completely ignored or has been confused with consciousness, where as both are two distinct cognitive functions. In this preliminary exploration, we will try to address three basic issues on QM in relation to consciousness: 1)The measurement problem 2) The quantum reduction or wave function collapse and 3) The free choice of consciousness. We propose that future models of consciousness should take into account the vitality of understanding attention.

مقدمه: اصول و قوانین، نقش بیان اساسی‌ترین ایده‌ها در یک علم و نیز ایجاد چارچوب و روش‌شناسی برای حل مسائل آن علم را بازی می‌کنند. این مقاله بر آن است تا با گذری بر مفاهیم و مراتب چهارگانه سیبرنتیک، به بررسی اصول حاکم بر این علم بر اساس رویکردهای فیزیک جدید و قدیم بپردازد. روش‌: در نگارش مقاله رویکرد مروری‌تحلیلی مورد استفاده قرار گرفته است. این مقاله سعی دارد با بررسی متون علمی این حوزه از طریق روش کتابخانه‌ای، ابتدا گذری بر مفاهیم و مراتب چهارگانه سیبرنتیک داشته باشد، سپس اصول حاکم بر این علم از دو دیدگاه پوزیتیویستی و هرمنوتیکی بررسی نماید. یافته ها: نحوه نگرش به جهان هستی موجب شکل‌گیری دیدگاه‌های مختلف در علم و در عین حال پیشرفت شناخت علمی شده‌است. در ابتدا دیدگاه پوزیتویستی بر اساس تئوری نیوتون و دیدگاه مکانیکی شکل گرفت. سپس پسا اثبات‌گرایان با توجه به دو اصل ضرورت و تصادف قوانین زیست‌شناسی را پی‌ریزی کردند. با ورود تئوری کوانتوم و نسبیت به عرصه فیزیک و آشکار شدن ناتوانی‌های فیزیک کلاسیک در چند مورد، برداشت از جهان و پدیده‌های آن به‌کلی متحول شد. گذر از فیزیک نیوتنی (فیزیک قدیم) به فیزیک کوانتومی (فیزیک جدید)، تحول تئوریک و فلسفی را موجب گردید. در سایه این چرخش، مبانی تئوریک علوم مختلف نیز دگرگون گردید. سیبرنتیک نیز از این نگاه متحولانه بهره‌مند شده‌است. تحلیل متون نشان می‌دهد، بن‌مایه فکری نسل‌ها و اصول سیبرنتیک آمیزه‌ای از رویکردهای پوزیتویستی، ارگانیستی، جهان‌بینی سیستمی، و فیزیک جدید است. بحث و نتیجه گیری: راه‌حل‌های معمول سنتی دیگر جواب‌گوی آشفتگی‌های موجود در دنیای کنونی نیست و به راه‌حل‌های جدیدی نیازمندیم تا بتوانیم پیچیدگی‌های موجود در این دنیا و عصر حاضر را کنترل نماییم. سیبرنتیک یکی از این راه‌حل‌هاست. تفاوت در نوع نگاه به مفهوم مشاهده و مشاهده‌گر است که باعث شکل‌گیری رویکردهای متفاوت و جهان‌بینی‌های مختلف در علوم و متعاقب آن سیبرنتیک شده است. تا جایی که نقطه عطف شکل‌گیری فیزیک جدید را می‌توان مداخله دادن مشاهده‌گر در رویداد دانست. جهانی که در آن مشاهده‌کننده جدای از آنچه مشاهده می‌کند نیست، بلکه قسمتی از همان پدیده‌ است در حالی که در فیزیک کلاسیک تمام پدیده‌ها مستقل از مشاهده‌گر همچون ساعتی دقیق و قانون‌مدار با نظم و ترتیب خاص رخ می‌دهند. بنابراین می توان گفت بن‌مایه فکری نسل‌ها و اصول سیبرنتیک آینده‌ای از رویکردهای پوزیتویستی، ارگانیستی، جهان‌بینی سیستمی و فیزیک جدید است. بر این اساس رویکردی سیبرنتیکی در طی عمر کوتاه آن متکی بر دیدگاه‌های حاکم متحول شده است.