[LINK] "Observer consciousness collapses the quantum wave function"

[David]

On Thursday, 12 September 2019 14:40:51 AEST Stephen Loosley wrote:

> As a first test case, the AMP was implemented to study this controversial claim: Observer consciousness collapses the quantum wave function in a double-slit experiment.
> 
> For explanation, one potential mechanism for mind-matter interaction is based on quantum mechanics, in particular the proposal that observer consciousness collapses the wave function.

When a small, isolated quantum system is observed, it necessarily interacts with a stupendously larger quantum system consisting of the observing apparatus, the laboratory, the experimenter, and the rest of the universe.  However its wave function doesn't vanish, as "collapse" might suggest.  The isolated system becomes part of its larger environment, which is described by a stupendously larger (and now slightly extended) wave function.

> The false-positive effect, which indicates the presence of significant SME in the Radin DS-experiment, suggests that skepticism should replace optimism concerning the radical claim that an anomalous quantum consciousness effect has been observed in a controlled laboratory setting.

I think this states that observer-consciousness has no effect, which I have no difficulty supporting.

Having said all that, we might imagine a thought experiment where the small, isolated quantum system included a physical mind/brain and, in that case, brain activity would be relevant.  But that raises a few questions...!

David L.