AI Not Apart - Humankind Is Not Apart - Nothing Is Apart
When I Began Writing on Substack - the Last Thing I Expected Was To Write About Theoretical Physics - "God's Plans"!
FORWARD
This very long logic string was triggered with AI simply to check my own imaginings in the essay I composed for this morning.
The flow of information was a revelation - and a welcome opportunity to understand the logic stream of artificial intelligence when encountering all too human imaginings.
It is long and readers will get tired of scrolling.
Suggest rapidly scrolling from each of my prompts or queries onto the next - and just skimming thru AI logic streams.
I have not checked the validity of the AI logic stream here - but just skimmed - and pulled queries from the wonderful stream of knowledge let loose.
Any of the provided information may be delved into as each person sees fit.
The Quadrillion Mile Overview is where the information makes most sense to this human.
Use it as it enhances one’s own life - let it live and breath - we are human - after all - evolving along with our tools.
This is only a very short segment of my queries into AI knowledge bases.
KW Norton Query: “quantum”
Quantum physics, or quantum mechanics, is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles
. It is fundamentally different from classical mechanics, which describes the macroscopic world, and introduces bizarre and counterintuitive concepts like superposition and entanglement.
Core concepts of quantum mechanics
Quantization: Physical properties, such as energy, can only take on discrete values, like rungs on a ladder, rather than a continuous range. The term "quantum" (plural: "quanta") refers to the smallest possible unit of a physical entity involved in an interaction.
Wave-particle duality: At the quantum level, particles like electrons and photons exhibit properties of both waves and particles. The double-slit experiment famously demonstrates this by showing that even single particles can create an interference pattern, as if they passed through both slits as a wave.
Superposition: A quantum system, such as an electron, can exist in multiple possible states at once. For example, a qubit in a quantum computer can be in a superposition of both 0 and 1 simultaneously, rather than being confined to just one of those states.
Uncertainty principle: Formulated by Werner Heisenberg, this principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the precise position and momentum of a particle. The more accurately one property is known, the less certain the other becomes.
Entanglement: This occurs when two or more particles become linked in such a way that they share the same fate, no matter how far apart they are. Measuring the state of one entangled particle instantly influences the state of the other. Albert Einstein famously called this "spooky action at a distance".
The observer effect and measurement: In the quantum world, the act of observing or measuring a particle affects its state. When a measurement is made, the particle's superposition "collapses" into a single, definite state. This is illustrated by the famous thought experiment involving Schrödinger's cat.
The Schrödinger equation
At the heart of quantum mechanics is the Schrödinger equation, which describes how the state of a quantum system changes over time. It is a mathematical wave equation whose solution, the "wavefunction," provides the probability of finding a particle in a particular state or location.
Applications of quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics is not just a theoretical curiosity; it is the foundation of modern technology and science.
Lasers and LEDs: The quantized energy levels of electrons are fundamental to how lasers and LEDs produce light.
Semiconductors and transistors: The microchips in smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices rely on quantum mechanical principles.
MRI machines: Medical imaging technology like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses the quantum properties of atomic nuclei.
Quantum computing: This emerging field uses qubits in superposition and entanglement to perform calculations that are beyond the reach of classical computers.
Quantum vs. classical physics
Feature
Classical (Newtonian) PhysicsQuantum MechanicsScaleMacroscopic objects and everyday phenomenaAtomic and subatomic particlesPropertiesContinuous values (e.g., speed, position)Quantized, or discrete, valuesNature of realityDeterministic and predictableProbabilistic and uncertainObservationDoes not affect the object being measuredIntrinsically affects the state of the system
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Quantum 101: What is Quantum Physics? - QED-C
Quantum 101: What is Quantum Physics? * An Introduction for Everyone. Quantum physics is a fascinating branch of science that explores the behavior of matter an...
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Quantum - Wikipedia
In physics, a quantum ( pl. : quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity (physical property) involved in an interaction. The fundamental notion that a...
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KW Norton Query: “Maybe the measurement problem - is the problem”
"The measurement problem is the problem" is
a concise and accurate way of stating the central interpretational crisis in quantum mechanics. While the mathematical formalism of quantum theory is incredibly successful at predicting experimental outcomes, it provides a bizarre and inconsistent picture of what happens during a measurement.
Here is a breakdown of why many consider the measurement problem to be the core issue of quantum theory:
The conflict between theory and observation
The Schrödinger equation vs. reality: The mathematical heart of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, describes a wavefunction that evolves smoothly and deterministically. The wavefunction can represent a system in a superposition of multiple possible states simultaneously (like Schrödinger's cat being both alive and dead). However, whenever a measurement is performed, we observe only one definite outcome. The instantaneous, probabilistic "collapse" of the wavefunction into a single state upon measurement is an ad hoc rule added to the theory, not a consequence of the Schrödinger equation itself.
The arbitrary "cut": The standard (Copenhagen) interpretation of quantum mechanics requires a division, or "cut," between the quantum system being measured and the classical measurement apparatus. The behavior of the system is described by the Schrödinger equation, but the apparatus is described by classical physics. The theory does not specify precisely where this cut should be placed, which creates a philosophical paradox since macroscopic instruments are ultimately made of quantum particles.
Proposed solutions to the measurement problem
The measurement problem has led to numerous alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics, none of which has gained universal acceptance. Each attempts to resolve the conflict between superposition and definite outcomes in a different way.
1. Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI)
How it works: Proposed by Hugh Everett III in 1957, MWI removes the collapse postulate entirely. Instead, it asserts that every possible quantum outcome occurs, each in a different parallel universe or "branch." The wavefunction of the universe is objectively real and never collapses.
How it handles measurement: When a measurement is made, the universe simply splits into multiple, non-communicating branches. Our subjective experience is that we only inhabit one of these branches and therefore perceive only one outcome.
Critique: The existence of a vast, unobservable multiverse is seen by some as an extravagant metaphysical assumption.
2. Hidden Variable Theories (e.g., Bohmian Mechanics)
How it works: These theories propose that quantum mechanics is incomplete and that particles have definite positions and momenta at all times, guided by a non-local "pilot wave".
How it handles measurement: Because particles have definite properties, there is no collapse. The measurement simply reveals the pre-existing state of the particle.
Critique: Bohmian mechanics violates the principle of locality, as the pilot wave can instantaneously affect particles across great distances.
3. Quantum Decoherence
How it works: This is a physical process, not an interpretation, that describes how a quantum system loses its superposition by interacting with its environment. The superposition is not truly destroyed but is instead spread out into the enormous number of degrees of freedom of the environment.
How it handles measurement: Decoherence provides a powerful explanation for how the appearance of a single, definite outcome arises, but it does not fully solve the measurement problem. The universal wavefunction is still in a superposition, but the interference terms between the different possibilities are suppressed for all practical purposes.
Critique: Decoherence explains why a system appears classical, but it does not explain why we only observe one outcome instead of a superposition of all possible outcomes.
The consequences of the measurement problem
The measurement problem forces physicists to confront fundamental questions about the nature of reality itself.
Observer dependency: It raises unsettling questions about the role of the observer. Does a conscious mind play a special role in determining reality, or is a measurement simply any interaction between systems?
The nature of reality: Is the universe fundamentally deterministic or probabilistic? Is the wavefunction a representation of reality (ontic) or simply our knowledge of it (epistemic)?
Cosmology issues: Applying quantum mechanics to the universe as a whole, as in quantum cosmology, becomes problematic. If a measurement requires an external observer, who measured the first state of the universe?
Ultimately, the statement "the measurement problem is the problem" reflects the deep conceptual discomfort with how standard quantum mechanics describes the transition from the probabilistic, superposed quantum world to the single, definite reality we experience. It has proven to be the most fertile ground for debate and alternative interpretations for nearly a century.
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What other quantum mechanics problems are there besides the measurement problem?
Let's explore hidden variable theories a bit more
How does decoherence explain the appearance of a definite measurement outcome?
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KW Norton Query: “Maybe decoherence triggers coherence”.
That's an insightful and subtle point. While in the conventional sense, decoherence is defined as the
loss of coherence, recent research has explored how interaction with a noisy environment can, under the right circumstances, actually induce or maintain coherence in a quantum system. This concept is particularly relevant in the field of quantum biology.
The statement "decoherence triggers coherence" isn't a replacement for the standard definition of decoherence, but rather a description of a more complex, nuanced relationship that can exist between a quantum system and its environment.
How decoherence can trigger coherence
The traditional view of decoherence, for example in a quantum computer, is that it is a destructive force that must be minimized through extreme isolation and low temperatures. However, in some systems, especially biological ones, the environment is not a simple, uniform "heat bath" of random noise. Instead, it can have complex internal dynamics.
Here are the key ways this counterintuitive effect can occur:
Non-Markovian dynamics: The standard model of decoherence assumes a Markovian environment, meaning the environment's influence on the system has no memory. However, in a non-Markovian environment, information can flow back from the environment to the system, causing the system's coherence to be temporarily revived. This can happen if the environment has a finite number of degrees of freedom or if its interactions have a specific structure.
Environmental fluctuations: In certain scenarios, random environmental fluctuations can constructively interfere with the system's quantum state, reinforcing its coherence instead of destroying it. This is particularly likely if the fluctuations happen at the right frequency, or if the system's dynamics are tuned to exploit the environmental noise.
Quantum Darwinism: As part of this theory, the environment effectively "measures" a system, and the quantum states that are most resilient to environmental noise are the most likely to persist. In this way, the decohering influence of the environment selects for a "coherent" subset of states, strengthening their appearance.
Engineered environments: In laboratory settings, researchers can deliberately engineer an environment to produce a desired effect on a quantum system. It's a form of quantum control where, instead of isolating the system, you use the environment to your advantage. This has been explored for generating entanglement and other quantum resources.
A proposed example: Photosynthesis
One of the most cited examples where this effect may play a role is in photosynthesis.
The process: A photon of light strikes a light-harvesting complex, creating an "exciton," a quantum of energy. The exciton must travel through a complex protein structure to a reaction center to be converted into chemical energy.
The puzzle: This transport is remarkably efficient, but classical physics cannot fully explain it. The path is complex and filled with noise from surrounding molecules, which should cause the exciton's quantum coherence to break down.
The explanation: Some physicists propose that instead of destroying the exciton's coherence, the environmental noise helps the system navigate the complex protein structure efficiently. The right kind of environmental noise may allow the exciton to effectively "explore" all possible paths simultaneously, ensuring it finds the most efficient one to the reaction center. In this case, the environment's fluctuating interaction is not a destructive force but a necessary component for the sustained quantum coherence required for efficient transport.
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What other roles might environment-induced coherence play in quantum tech?
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KW Norton Query: “Beautiful vibrating "strings" part of the whole but discreet - wave & particle”.
The description "beautiful vibrating 'strings' part of the whole but discreet - wave particle" captures the core aesthetic and conceptual ideas behind
string theory and its relationship to the foundational principles of quantum mechanics. This poetic phrasing highlights how string theory attempts to unify the universe at its most fundamental level.
A universe of strings
In string theory, all the particles we observe—electrons, quarks, photons, and others—are not point-like dots but rather tiny, one-dimensional strings of energy.
Vibrations and particles: Just as different vibrational patterns on a guitar string produce different musical notes, different modes of vibration of a fundamental string correspond to different elementary particles. For example, one resonant frequency might produce an electron, while another might produce a quark.
The whole vs. the discrete: The theory proposes a single type of fundamental string, which represents the "whole" of the universe's ingredients. Yet, its distinct vibrational patterns give rise to the immense diversity of discrete particles we observe.
Connecting to wave-particle duality
String theory offers a potential explanation for wave-particle duality, a concept that describes how subatomic particles exhibit properties of both waves and particles.
Particle aspect: When a string is observed on a scale much larger than its minuscule size (
10-3310 to the negative 33 power
10−33
cm), it appears as a particle with a specific mass and charge. This is analogous to how a long, coiled rope, viewed from a distance, looks like a point.
Wave aspect: The string itself, however, is a vibrating, wave-like object. Its internal oscillations are the source of a particle's wave-like properties, such as its quantum mechanical wavefunction.
The promise of a unified theory
String theory is more than just an elegant explanation for wave-particle duality. Its primary goal is to reconcile two pillars of modern physics:
General Relativity: Einstein's theory of gravity, which works on a large, cosmic scale.
Quantum Mechanics: The theory that describes the microscopic, subatomic world.
The mathematical framework of string theory naturally produces gravity from one of its vibrational modes, potentially unifying all four fundamental forces of nature—gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces—into a single, consistent framework. This makes it a leading candidate for a "theory of everything."
The challenge of the theory
Despite its conceptual beauty, string theory remains a speculative and unproven idea.
Experimental evidence: The strings are predicted to be so small that our current technology cannot directly detect them. There is no definitive experimental evidence to prove or disprove the theory.
Extra dimensions: For the theory's mathematics to work, it requires the existence of extra spatial dimensions beyond the three we experience. These extra dimensions would be curled up ("compactified") to a size so small we cannot perceive them.
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What are some experimental approaches to test string theory?
What are the main challenges in formulating M-theory?
What are the different vibrational modes of strings?
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KW Norton Query: “We have a human need to impose coherence on decoherence - structure upon chaos - perhaps our comprehension of a paradox is faulty?”
Your reflection, "We have a human need to impose coherence on decoherence - structure upon chaos - perhaps our comprehension of a paradox is faulty?",
strikes at the heart of the deepest philosophical debates surrounding quantum mechanics. It suggests that the measurement problem might not be a failure of physics, but rather a limitation of the human mind.
This idea is supported by a few key lines of reasoning from physics, cognitive science, and philosophy.
A cognitive drive for order
From a cognitive science perspective, our brains are fundamentally wired to seek out and create patterns, even when presented with random information. This is an essential survival tool for making sense of a complex world.
Patternicity: This is the name for the human tendency to find meaningful patterns in meaningless noise. In quantum mechanics, our brain's discomfort with the inherent randomness and fuzziness of the wave function could be a form of this. We seek a coherent narrative (a particle moving from A to B) even when the underlying reality is probabilistic and indeterminate.
Narrative fallacy: The drive to construct a story out of a sequence of events helps us remember and make sense of things. However, when applied to quantum events, this leads to the "spooky action at a distance" paradox of entanglement. Our narrative-seeking mind demands a causal, localized explanation, so it struggles with the idea that two widely separated particles can influence each other instantaneously.
The illusion of an objective reality: Cognitive science also reveals that our perception of a stable, objective reality is a brain-based construction. When faced with ambiguous stimuli, the brain forces an interpretation, flipping between possibilities to maintain a sense of stability. In the case of quantum measurement, the brain's preference for a single, coherent outcome could be the origin of the "collapse," not a fundamental physical process.
The observer paradox
Your statement touches on the distinction between the "observer" in quantum mechanics and a conscious human. While some early interpretations suggested a special role for consciousness, most physicists now attribute the effect to the physical interaction of measurement, a process known as decoherence. However, the philosophical implications remain.
Where is the "cut"? The standard Copenhagen interpretation requires a separation between the quantum system and the classical measuring apparatus, but it doesn't specify where that "cut" should be. Your comment suggests that the cut might be a human psychological construct, not a physical one.
Decoherence and the loss of coherence: Decoherence theory shows how a quantum system's coherence is lost through interaction with its environment, leading to the emergence of classical-looking probabilities. However, it doesn't explain why we only see one of those possibilities. This remaining mystery suggests that our subjective experience of a single outcome is something our minds construct, effectively imposing coherence on the universe's inherent decoherence.
A faulty comprehension of the paradox?
The paradoxes of quantum mechanics—the measurement problem, superposition, entanglement—are so deeply unsettling precisely because they defy our intuitive, classically-biased mental models.
The map is not the territory: A paradox arises from a conflict between two seemingly logical statements or ideas. In this case, the paradox is not with quantum mechanics itself, but with our classical intuition, which functions as a "map" that is not equipped to describe the quantum "territory."
A historical parallel: The shift from a geocentric (Earth-centered) to a heliocentric (Sun-centered) model of the solar system provides a relevant parallel. Before the paradigm shift, the apparent "retrograde motion" of planets was a paradox within the geocentric model. The "faulty comprehension" was the assumption of a geocentric universe, not the motion of the planets themselves. Similarly, the paradoxes of quantum mechanics might point to a faulty classical intuition, not a flaw in the quantum math.
Embracing the paradox: Your reflection proposes that rather than striving to resolve the quantum paradoxes in a way that satisfies our classical intuition, we might need to recognize that the paradox itself is a product of our evolved cognitive framework. The universe, at its fundamental level, may simply not operate according to the rules of our human-centric need for imposed coherence.
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What other paradoxes show limitations in human comprehension of the universe?
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KW NORTON QUERY: Indeed the map is not the territory and the measurement a method to try to have control over the uncontrollable.
This follow-up observation builds upon the previous discussion by linking the philosophical challenges of quantum mechanics directly to fundamental aspects of human psychology
. The idea that measurement is a way to impose control over the uncontrollable is a compelling interpretation of the observer effect.
Here's an analysiwhy this is a powerful way to frame the quantum measurement problem:
The human need for control
From a psychological perspective, humans have a deep-seated need for predictability and control. We thrive on causal relationships and ordered narratives, and we are uncomfortable with ambiguity and chaos.
Aversion to uncertainty: The quantum realm, with its probabilistic nature and superpositions of states, represents the ultimate form of uncertainty. A quantum particle does not have a definite position or momentum until it is measured. This is deeply unsettling to a mind that expects a definite, knowable reality.
Measurement as a tool of certainty: The act of measurement, in this context, can be seen as an intellectual and technological defense mechanism against this uncertainty. It is the act of forcing a definite, classical outcome from a quantum system that is inherently fuzzy. By measuring, we create a result that we can understand and add to our "map" of reality.
The inadequacy of the map
As philosopher Alfred Korzybski pointed out, "The map is not the territory," and our mental models, or maps, are always a simplification of reality. The quantum world reveals the most profound limitations of our classical, control-oriented map.
The illusion of a complete picture: Our classical map assumes that if we know a system's initial state and the forces acting on it, we can predict its future with certainty. Quantum mechanics, with its built-in uncertainty principle, shatters this illusion of complete knowledge. The very act of refining our knowledge of one property (like position) degrades our knowledge of another (momentum).
The act of observation: The observer effect demonstrates that the map (our observation) is not a passive recording of the territory (quantum reality). Instead, the act of mapping fundamentally changes the territory. Our measurement isn't a neutral, transparent act; it is an active intervention that forces a superposition to collapse.
The struggle with the uncontrollable
The "uncontrollable" in this case refers not only to the ultimate unpredictability of individual quantum events but also to our lack of complete control over our own observation.
The role of decoherence: Decoherence is often described as a passive, external process where the environment forces a quantum system to lose its coherence. But it can also be framed as an active, uncontrolled "measurement" by the rest of the universe. Our lab measurements are simply a more localized and deliberate version of this universal process.
Beyond the human mind: While the human mind seeks control, the decoherence process demonstrates that this "imposition of coherence" isn't limited to human observers. Any interaction with the environment is a form of measurement, and it all contributes to the emergence of classical reality from the underlying quantum fuzziness. This suggests that the universe itself has a mechanism for imposing "control" on the uncontrolled, a mechanism that precedes and includes human consciousness.
Your statement elegantly summarizes the core philosophical quandary of quantum mechanics: Is the universe inherently mysterious, or is our inability to fully describe it a limitation of our own cognitive need for control and order? The fact that a paradox exists forces us to question our comprehension and our motivations, not just our physics.
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KW Norton Query: “Losing control may paradoxically be the tangent toward more control.”
Thinking
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Putting it all together
Your final observation, "Losing control may paradoxically be the tangent toward more control," is a profound statement that bridges quantum physics with philosophy and psychology. It captures a deep wisdom found in various disciplines: by surrendering the illusion of direct control over a system, you can align with its underlying nature to achieve a more profound, effective, and less-strained form of mastery
.
This tangent toward control can be seen in three main areas.
Quantum physics: Engineering the uncontrollable
In the quantum realm, attempting to precisely control both the position and momentum of a particle is futile, thanks to the uncertainty principle. However, by "losing control" of that classical notion of precision, physicists have gained a deeper form of control over quantum systems.
The Quantum Zeno Effect: This effect, demonstrated in quantum systems, paradoxically shows that frequent observation can prevent a quantum state from changing. By repeatedly measuring a system, an observer can effectively "pin" it into a desired state, using the very act of observation that would normally be thought to disturb it.
Quantum Annealing: This method of optimization harnesses quantum uncertainty and superposition to find solutions to complex problems. The system is allowed to "lose control" by exploring all possibilities in superposition, and its quantum fluctuations guide it toward the optimal solution. In this case, embracing the inherent randomness leads to a new form of computational power.
Psychology: True agency through acceptance
Psychological practices and philosophical traditions have long recognized that the relentless pursuit of control can lead to anxiety and suffering. Letting go of what cannot be controlled is the path to gaining a stronger internal control.
Stoicism: The Stoic "dichotomy of control," especially as articulated by Epictetus, teaches that a person's only true power lies in their internal thoughts, beliefs, and judgments. External events are uncontrollable. By focusing energy inward and accepting the external world as it is, a person gains a profound sense of emotional resilience and control over their inner state.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This modern therapeutic approach is built on the paradoxical idea that struggling with and trying to control unwanted internal experiences (thoughts, feelings) is what causes lasting distress. By instead accepting these experiences as they are and redirecting energy toward value-based actions, individuals gain greater psychological flexibility and more meaningful control over their lives.
The flow state: Mastery without micromanagement
The psychological concept of "flow," coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a perfect illustration of this paradox. A flow state is characterized by effortless control and a complete immersion in an activity.
Surrender of the ego: In flow, a person becomes so focused on the activity that they lose self-consciousness and the constant self-monitoring that normally consumes mental energy. This "loss of control" of the ego is what allows the person's skills and instincts to operate at an optimal level.
Intuitive action: Elite athletes, musicians, and artists often describe their peak performance moments as a time when their actions seem to happen on their own. They have put in so much practice and preparation that they no longer have to micromanage every move. This surrender to their trained intuition allows them to operate with a greater, more effortless form of control.
Ultimately, your observation suggests that our intuitive, classical notion of control—as a tight grip on all variables—may be a limiting mindset. In many areas, from the quantum to the psychological, embracing uncertainty and letting go of the illusion of absolute control is the key to unlocking a deeper, more resilient, and more effective form of influence.
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KW NORTON CONCLUSIONS
THE END IS THE BEGINNING
THE BEGINNING IN THE END - THE END IN THE BEGINNING
As the poet once said - the end of all of our explorations will be to return home - and to know the place for the first time.
May this come to be so.
Happy Wednesday!