Is it really consciousness that collapses the wave-function in quantum superposition?

Question

My understanding of quantum superposition is that a wave-collapse occurs via observation BUT in regards to measuring the particle, NOT necessarily observing it in some way via our consciousness. However, in some articles, the implication is that CONSCIOUSNESS itself is the CAUSE of the wave-function collapse and NOT necessarily the act of measuring where the particle is located (i.e., one not need measure anything, just "observe" the state of the particle via some thought process alone). I don't know too much about quantum mechanics, so I'd like to get more information about this. If consciousness along can collapse this wave, via thoughts alone, and make a particle stable, then it's akin to paranormal phenomena. I hope someone can explain this to me. Thanks.

Answer 1

No, you don't need an observer to make a superposition collapse. What is needed is that the information is there, and can be observed. The information is there if you perform the experiment that leads to the observation, it does not matter if anyone records the outcome, and therefore it does not matter whether anyone observes the output from the recorder.



If a conscious observer was needed, you could eavesdrop quantum transmission. If you perform the measurement, but do not read the result before later, those making the transmission would not discover the eavesdropping before too late.

Answer 2

'Seems to' isn't strong enough to describe it. It's definitely faster than light. In fact it's as near instantaneous as something can get from all appearances. The only explanation I'm able to come up with is that the universe is a lot more 'mechanical' than we usually assume and that the interconnectedness must resemble the internal workings of a clock rather than the way we usually imagine it to be. Once you've become aware of this tiny piece of the puzzle you're in a position to look elsewhere for similar evidence of it. Fact is, it's there, all over the place and we've looked past it instead of at it. The whole thing is something of an illustration of the downside of what we think of as 'science' as well as how vulnerable we all are to see what we expect to see because we expect to see it, whatever discipline we might be schooled in.

Answer 3

No. Any observation, by a human, mouse, computer, whatever, will collapse the wavefunction. If you have a computer measure it and print out the answer, an answer is there on the paper, the wavefunction has been collapsed, whether you have read the answer yet or not. Consciousness is not necessary.

Answer 4

You should read Wikipedia's entry on wave function collapse. It describes a number of competing hypotheses to explain the phenomenon. I like the decoherence model and the Many Worlds interpretation (don't know which I like better). The idea that consciousness collapses the wave function is not generally favored.

Answer 5

My theory is yes it is the human consciousness that collapses the function, I have a radical new concept that may be able to overcome this obstacle

Answer 6

My head is beginning to hurt.