Tag: Observability

Quantum uncertainty is not caused by measurements

Quantum uncertainty is not caused by measurements

TL;DR – The uncertainty relationship in quantum mechanics exists before and independently of measurements. Some books still perpetuate the idea that the uncertainty introduced by quantum mechanics is caused by measurements. Either as an observer effect (i.e. the measurement causes the uncertainty) or as an observed relationship (i.e. our measurements are limited by that relationships). …

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First-Person Experience and the Consciousness Transfer Device

First-Person Experience and the Consciousness Transfer Device

TL;DR – Subjective experiences, like consciousness, are outside of what can be experimentally tested. I was at a bar, tired from a long day, when a person started pestering me with questions: “Doesn’t the brain process electrical signals, which is ultimately explained by quantum physics?” “Doesn’t quantum physics say that things happen only because we …

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Proving a negative and the reindeer in your house

Proving a negative and the reindeer in your house

TL;DR – We cannot always validate all answers to a scientific question with the same process. For some yes/no questions, only one side can be actually experimentally verified. Some people write me things like “Is it true that absent of evidence is not evidence of absence?” “Is it true that there my be a China …

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The laws of physics and the box of salvation

The laws of physics and the box of salvation

TL;DR – The laws of physics are not the laws of nature. They can only describe what is experimentally accessible. I am often cautious about sharing my interest in fundamental physics to strangers. “Ah, fundamental physics!” They may get excited and step too close to me. “What can you tell me about the nature of …

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