Reality in quantum mechanics, Extended Everett Concept, and consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive August 31, 2006 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractConceptual problems in quantum mechanics arise from the specific quantum concept of reality and require including the observer's consciousness into measurement theory. The Extended Everett Concept (EEC) identifies the separation of classical alternatives with the phenomenon of consciousness, explaining why alternatives appear classical and why unusual manifestations of consciousness occur at the edge of consciousness (sleep or trance) when access to other Everett worlds becomes feasible. Because quantum evolution is reversible in EEC, all time moments are equivalent while the impression of time flow appears only in consciousness. Assuming consciousness may influence probabilities of alternatives, EEC explains free will, probabilistic miracles (observing low-probability events), and decreasing entropy in the sphere of life.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Quantum-physics/quant-ph Consciousness-studies Reality-perception Parallel-universes Metaphysics/physics.gen-ph |
| Key finding | The Extended Everett Concept identifies the separation of classical alternatives with consciousness, explaining classical alternatives, time flow, free will, probabilistic miracles, and decreasing entropy in life. |
Abstract
Conceptual problems in quantum mechanics result from the specific quantum concept of reality and require, for their solution, including the observer's consciousness into quantum theory of measurements. Most naturally this is achieved in the framework of Everett's "many-worlds interpretation" of quantum mechanics. According to this interpretation, various classical alternatives are perceived by consciousness separately from each other. In the Extended Everett Concept (EEC) proposed by the present author, the separation of the alternatives is identified with the phenomenon of consciousness. This explains classical character of the alternatives and unusual manifestations of consciousness arising "at the edge of consciousness" (i.e. in sleep or trance) when its access to "other alternative classical realities" (other Everett's worlds) becomes feasible. Because of reversibility of quantum evolution in EEC, all time moments in the quantum world are equivalent while the impression of flow of time appears only in consciousness. If it is assumed that consciousness may influence onto probabilities of alternatives (which is consistent in case of infinitely many Everett's worlds), EEC explains free will, "probabilistic miracles" (observing low-probability events) and decreasing entropy in the sphere of life.