Is the moon really there when nobody's looking?

Question

I asked this question in the physics section and one answerer suggested posting it in the philosophy section...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 of the moon's position we force the universe to take a stand and the moon pops into existance at a certain place. 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?

Answer 1

I guess that is like asking if you really exist when no one can see you. Hmmm if you are not observed than all you are is a probability density and if you are being philosophical you can't rely on your own perception of yourself as your perception of reality may not be true.....

Answer 2

It seems to me that this type of questioning is a regression of the mind. As infants, people have sensorimotor information,"I can sense it, it's there;I can't sense it, it isn't there" How is it that everyone looks away from the moon at the same time even if this theory were true? or for the same duration of time? How could a chancy universe grant us the consistency of the moon just by staring in that direction? So of course, I believe in object permanency-that it's there when I look and when I don't

Answer 3

Objectively speaking, the moon is there whether or not somebody's looking at it. And subjectively, i think, if nobody's looking at it, it depends on the person who perceives it--- whether he would like to believe that it is there or it isn't.

Just like the "If a tree falls in the woods and nobody's around to hear it, does it make a sound?" question. Objectively, again, there is a sound because if a tree falls in the woods it creates vibrations, thus, creating a sound. But, on a subjective point of view, since nobody is there to hear it, there is no sound.;-)

Answer 4

i'm sorry for the response you been getting. the problem is your example is not within the quantum reality. when you mentioned the moon or other perceptible objects you do not need to go into the probability problem within the quantum realm. you can use our sensory tools to verify our perception of the moon with the moon in itself. If it is still insufficient to verify then you can employ other verification methods, such as comparison and communication with other's perception of the object. the probability dilemma in quantum realm occurs because the object of the observation does not exist in itself, we can only infer to them through their traces through our tools-guided observation, without the observation and the tools we can't really tell if the object in itself is there because because of their form. i think in the study of philosophy somehow there's a vague agreement that the thing in itself and the perceived object is related and can not be differentiated as two completely different realm like in kantian philosophy, the questions being asked nowadays are on the how we gain and develop our knowledge and how to verify/falsify our knowledge/perception. i suggest you study the thoughts of karl popper, feyerabend, and roy bhaskar for further philosophical studies on science and knowledge

Answer 5

Hello dear!
Well, this has been answered by Pre-Socrates philosophers! Further, I want to remind that even when we look at it, what we see is the Moon, but the place we look at is not the place the Moon is at the time! Due to the distance of bodies, when we "see" them, they have already moved!
Regarding their existence, I support the idea that there are regardless if we observe them! Also, let us consider that most of matter is dark, mass and energy, called Aether by Greeks. And this we can't "see", but it is proved it exist and is more that 90% of the Universe! Thus, our senses are important, but to us, not to the Universe!

Answer 6

Nice question,

Well, this depends, if you're asking if the moon exists in the physical world I think Yes it does.

But who cares if it does in a physical world when nobody is observing, did the dinosours existed a thousand years ago? No

Our humanic definition of existence applies only on the observed surrounding and does not apply for the rest of it -most of it.

For those who asked about human existence, please note the difference between "being" and "existence", a human mind exists and it notices it's existence, even though if nobody else is observing.

thanks for the post.

Answer 7

Quantum effects are a question of probability. Although there is no certainty that a particular particle has a particular position or momentum, there is always a statistical probability that it is ascertainable. Quantum effects operate on a particulate level. As soon as you have billions and billions and billions of particles, as you do on the moon, the probability that they will all cease to be in that position or have that momentum is so infinitesimally small that it is effectively non-existent.

Answer 8

Someone somewhere is always looking at the moon. Even if it could disappear when no one was looking, it would never get the chance.

The moon is an actual object. It's not a theory. We are not such deities that we cause it to exist by seeing it. So, yeah.

Answer 9

Whenever you perceive the moon then it is real to you that the moon is really there when you look at it. On the other hand, just because it is real to you that the moon is really there when you are looking at it does not mean it real to me, or anyone else for that matter. Everyone creates there own reality adn perception, which means nobody knows what is "real" because what is real to them might not be real to someone else.

Answer 10

if an infant lost his parents very early on and lived alone on a secluded island until adulthood would he have any perceptions of the world around him? i think so...

would he, however, be able to say to himself, "that there is a tree."? probably not...

we cannot formulate ideas and/or language on our own; or, in other words, we do need individuals around to think up these things.

the moon, as we know it, is there if no one is looking. or, try closing your eyes and walking a straight line. see if the cars are still passing by just because you aren't looking...