Quantum consciousness in 2024

Abstract: Quantum and conscious mysteries are brought together in the quantum theory of consciousness, where the phenomenon is attributed to the interaction between neurotransmitters and the zero-point field (ZPF). A materialist success, but a philosophical farce, since the qualitative richness of consciousness is not taken into account. A nugget, though: the theory is a simple … Read more

What is a “click”?

This is the question posed by physicist Vlatko Vedral on his excellent blog ‘Musings on Quantum Mechanics‘. During the pre-publication of an article, he and his referee discuss the primary object of quantum physics. Is it the elementary quantum field, as Vlatko argues, or the click of the detector registering a particle, as the referee … Read more

The T<>D principle in quantum theory

(T<>D) What? The T<>D principle is at the heart of the ‘theory of everything’ explained in Surimposium. It is extremely simple: Everything emanates from a conflict between individuation and collectivization. Between “I am” and “belong to”. Between the T of soliTary and the D of soliDary. Each state of a thing is a setting between … Read more

Is reality only made of waves?

Vlatko Vedral, a physicist at Oxford, argues that reality is made only of waves and that the obsolete wave-particle dualism must be completely abandoned. This position is eliminatory reductionism. It denigrates the existence of the complex dimension of reality. I will show how it reintroduces a dualism, that of reality and spirit. The reductionist discourse … Read more

What is the right interpretation to give to quantum mechanics?

An explanation at all costs? Physicists pay little attention to the interpretation of quantum mechanics on a daily basis. The Standard Model works very well, even to the point that researchers hope for unexpected results from their experiments that would force new theoretical developments. That quantum mechanics is difficult to connect to the macroscopic is … Read more

The trap of the mathematical universe

The relative intransigence of quantification Let’s dive into the fundamental meaning of quantification. It implies an intransigent separation between individuations. Is the nature of this separation knowable? Yes, if we can reduce individuation to parties, whose relationships create discontinuity. The separation is therefore intransigent but not irreducible. Except by adopting foundationalism, that is, to postulate … Read more

Does reality exist? Consciousness, simulation and decoherence in the Campbell experiment

Reality or simulation? Science & Vie echoes this month a quantum experiment “that can change everything”. The starting point is the simulation hypothesis. In 2003 Nick Bostrom, philosopher, notes that our descendants will have an exponential numerical power and draws 3 hypotheses: 1) Humanity will be extinct before being able to exploit it. 2) It … Read more

Can we put an end to the debate on interpretations of quantum mechanics?

Helgoland, Carlo Rovelli’s excellent book already mentioned here, deserves a second article. He makes a concise and masterful assessment of interpretations of quantum mechanics, returning back to back those who vainly try to reconcile with classical mechanics and explaining why, in his opinion, conciliation is not necessary. Let’s quickly summarize the assessment: Everett’s multiple universes … Read more

Quantum strangeness in Helgoland

Quantum theory is disturbing Helgoland’ is an excellent popular work by Carlo Rovelli. Tied with Étienne Klein, Carlo is the best at enlightening amateurs. More salient incursions into the philosophical field for Étienne, while Carlo does the same at the forefront of fundamental physics. Author of one of the most prominent theories of quantum gravity. … Read more

Quantum oddities under the double look

If necessary, start with What is the double look? Odd in the middle of the other images, not for the math A constant in the popular works of the quantum world: to present the particles as abracadabrant entities, so insane that Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland seems almost wise in comparison. You read that they “alter their … Read more