It has been realized that the measurement problem in quantum mechanics is essentially the determinate-experience problem. The problem is to explain how the linear quantum dynamics can be compatible with the existence of our definite experience. This means that in order to finally solve the measurement problem it is necessary to analyze the observer who is physically in a superposition of brain states with definite measurement records. Indeed, such quantum observers exist in all main realistic solutions to the measurement problem, including Bohm’s theory, Everett’s theory, and even the dynamical collapse theories. Then, what does it feel like to be a quantum observer? Although these theories, as well as the bare theory, give their respective answers to this intriguing question, it is still unknown what the true answer is. It can be expected that the answer, once it has been obtained, will have significant implications for solving the measurement problem.
In parallel with the Physics of the Observer Program and RFP announced by FQXi, we will host an online Workshop on Quantum Observers from 9th January 2016 to 19th January 2016. The workshop will bring together leading experts in the field, and address the most pressing issues in understanding quantum observers and solving the measurement problem.
Based on the successful experience from First iWorkshop on the Meaning of the Wave Function, John Bell Workshop 2014 and Quantum Foundations Workshop 2015, this workshop will be also self-organized to a large extent. Every member may create a topic in the workshop forum on his own, which gives a concise introduction to his ideas to be discussed, and which also states the date and time of his two-hour discussion. Then other members can leave comments beforehand or participate in the discussions by text chat in the forum in the two-hour duration at the time.
The list of participants and the schedule of this workshop will be announced soon. Selected presentations in this workshop will be published in International Journal of Quantum Foundations.
Note: This is not a public workshop. Group content and activity will only be visible to members of the group, most of who are invited. If you would like to participate in the workshop, please log in or contact us.
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What does it feel like to be in a quantum superposition?
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It has been realized that the measurement problem in quantum mechanics is essentially the determinate-experience problem in the final analysis. The problem is to explain how the linear dynamics can be compatible with the existence of our definite experience. This means that in order to finally solve the measurement problem it is necessary to analyze the observer who is physically in a superposition of brain states with definite conscious experiences such as definite measurement records. Indeed, such quantum observers exist in the main realistic solutions to the measurement problem, including Bohm’s theory, Everett’s theory, and even the dynamical collapse theories (Note that in the dynamical collapse theories there are also quantum observers due to the imperfectness of wavefunction collapse, which leads to the well-known tails problem.) Then, what does it feel like to be a quantum observer? In his book Quantum Mechanics and Experience, David Albert first asked this intriguing question and also suggested an interesting answer, the bare theory. (Certainly, the above realistic alternatives to quantum mechanics also give their respective answers.) In this paper, I will suggest a new answer to this question and argue that the answer may have implications for the solutions to the measurement problem.
Note: This paper aims to be a target paper which may help kick off the stimulating discussions at the workshop.
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