Quantum measurements are physical processes. Comment on "Consciousness and the double-slit interference pattern: Six experiments," By Dean Radin et al. [Physics Essays 25, 2 (2012)]
Massimiliano Sassoli de Bianchi
arXiv Preprint Archive July 3, 2012 preprint
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Quant-ph Physics.hist-ph Quantum physics Quantum measurement Physics philosophy Scientific skepticism |
| Key points | Argues that quantum mechanics does not require psychophysical ingredients to explain measurement, and that parapsychologists should not use such claims to support psychokinesis. |
Abstract
The validity of the assertion that some recent double-slit interference experiments, conducted by Radin et al., would have tested the possible role of the experimenter's mind in the collapse of the quantum wave function, is questioned. It is emphasized that quantum mechanics doesn't need any psychophysical ingredient to explain the measurement processes, and therefore parapsychologists shouldn't resort to the latter to support the possibility of psychokinesis, but search for more convincing explanations.
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