Quantum theory and the observation problem
| dc.creator | Gomatam, Ravi | |
| dc.date | 2007-08-11 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-07T08:23:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-07T08:23:19Z | |
| dc.description | Quantum theory is applicable, in principle, to both the microscopic and macroscopic realms. It is therefore worthwhile to investigate whether it is possible to evolve a quantum-compatible view of the properties and states of macroscopic objects in everyday thinking. It will allow a realistic interpretation of quantum theory in a manner directly consistent with the observations. The construction of such a view will provide a solution to what I term the observation problem. Toward solving the observation problem, I identify a category of new objective properties called 'relational properties' that are (so to speak) in-between primary and secondary properties. We regularly associate such properties with everyday objects, and I discuss how in fact these are quantum-compatible. If this relational-property viewpoint could be worked into quantum theory, it would altogether avoid the measurement problem, which is an artifact of our current inconsistent (albeit pragmatically successful) strategy of retaining a classical view of the macroscopic world while applying quantum theory to the microscopic world. Some implications of the relational property viewpoint to neurobiological issues underlying cognition are touched upon. | |
| dc.description | 19 pages | |
| dc.identifier | https://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1587 | |
| dc.identifier | http://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1587 | |
| dc.identifier | (1999) Journal of consciousness studies, 6 (11-12), 173-90 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/135954 | |
| dc.subject | Quantum Physics | |
| dc.title | Quantum theory and the observation problem | |
| dc.type | text |