According to the quantum theory, when we don't look at the moon all that exists is a probability density. When we make an observation we force the universe to take a stand and the moon pops into existance. So is it really there when we don't observe it? Einstein once asked a quantum physicist if they really believed that the moon wasn't there when nobody was looking. What do you think? Notice that this is just a modern day physics version of the "If a tree falls in the woods and nobody's around to hear it does it make a sound?" question. This question is closely related to an old philosophical question that asks whether or not our mind's perception of the universe is accurate. When we percieve a tree do we actually observe the tree as it really is? or is what we call a tree just our mind's take on a tree based on sensory information?
2006-08-31 04:25:05 · 11 answers · asked by Link 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Your ruminations begs the question: do I exist when no one is looking at me? Am I just a probability density until someone forces the universe to take a stand and therefore ushers me into existence? In fact, do YOU exist? Or are you just some probability density that I have forced into existence as words on my probable density of a computer screen because I just happen to look in that direction? And why so specific as the words that asks this particular question? Did I will it so? Or is it because of another bigger design? If so, is this bigger design also just probable energy of some sort? Or is it random?
2006-08-31 04:45:07 · answer #1 · answered by spudnik8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Define "looking." Certainly the lunar tides still seem to work even on moonless nights. The moon seems to be there still--or at least the collection of phenomena which we attribute to the moon--even when we don't have visual confirmation. It is part of a large classically describable system.
The question of whether you are seeing the univrse as it "really" is or as your mind constructs it is somewhat more tangled. How do you know whether the colors in your head are the same as those in mine? There are neurophysiological answers to this question, but the origin of perception in the subjective sense is still somewhat hazy. After reading lots of Oliver Sacks, I share the opinion that everything we consciously perceive is a very processed form of the "raw signal" of the universe (this processing in fact being a largely unconscious, hard-wired thing). In this context, I think of our conscious perception as something like a second-order sense, like an inner eye, attuned to the signals from other parts of the brain.
2006-08-31 04:46:09 · answer #2 · answered by Benjamin N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is presumably the branch of quantum physics that they publish on the back of cereal boxes is it? Heisenburg would indeed be rotating in his grave right now
However, My view is very similar to the question in so much that I do not seek to find quantum physics and mechanics in daily life, so it therefore doesn't exist in my mind: stuff just happens
By the same token, the moon can do what the f*ck it likes when I ain't lookin at it...as long as it is back there by the time I get my telescope out...
2006-08-31 04:34:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to believe that the universe was created solely for the reality of mankind then the answer is no it does not exist. When you you realize that the fact that the moon is there for the benefit of plants and animals both for life cycles and tides you can make the argument that moon exists even if there are no humans to perceive it
2006-08-31 04:32:36 · answer #4 · answered by ericbryce2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's not exactly what quantum theory suggests. More the the act of looking at something effects it. Since the moon is not a subatomic particle- the quantum physics laws are not really pertinent here.
So- the philosophical question stands, but your use of quantum theory here is incorrect. sorry.
2006-08-31 04:31:51 · answer #5 · answered by Morey000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bet you were a fun kid when you played "peek a boo" with your mom.
If you are going to question reality then maybe you will get better answers listing the question under religion or philosophy.
Sorry to sound mean, I'm not, but either you are kidding or are reading too much into something you read.
2006-08-31 04:32:43 · answer #6 · answered by Rabbit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blah, if a tree falls down in a forest, are people who ask these questions still dull? Of course it's there..
2006-08-31 04:41:36 · answer #7 · answered by Xpactko 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is. It doesn't have to be looked at for it to exist.
2006-08-31 04:32:48 · answer #8 · answered by abby0619 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. It's been there for four billion years...
2006-08-31 04:30:04 · answer #9 · answered by christopher s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wouldn't you still exist even if no one was looking at you?
2006-08-31 04:31:58 · answer #10 · answered by somebody 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋