Comments on: The Platonic Imperative: Reality and the Many Worlds of Quantum Mechanics http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/ A blog about science, politics, and how to let each help the other without compromising them both. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:03:42 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: service manual http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-26208 service manual Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:53:20 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-26208 Reading some of your post, seems quite interesting will be back to check it out some more later. Also I wanted to know if you would be interested in exchanging blogroll linkswith my <a href="http://manualfile.com" rel="nofollow">service manual</a> site Reading some of your post, seems quite interesting will be back to check it out some more later. Also I wanted to know if you would be interested in exchanging blogroll linkswith my service manual site

]]> By: service manual http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-25589 service manual Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:48:46 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-25589 Been reading some of your post, seems quite interesting will be back to check it out some more later. <a href="http://manualfile.com" rel="nofollow">service manual</a> Been reading some of your post, seems quite interesting will be back to check it out some more later. service manual

]]> By: Josef-PeterRoemer http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5487 Josef-PeterRoemer Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:26:35 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5487 As to MW, one needs only to look into the past history of mainstream scientists who surmised that the earth is flat, and the sun revolves around the earth. Argument to that today is: well we are much more advanced then they where in their day!! chuckle!. Well that is exactly I'm sure their response was to their not so mainstream contemporaries in their day. Astronomers that roll their eyes when they hear about MW, well for people who look at the cosmos past, don't really have any room to Chuckle. I would consider them just mere narrow minded lookers without a clue. As to MW, one needs only to look into the past history of mainstream scientists who surmised that the earth is flat, and the sun revolves around the earth. Argument to that today is: well we are much more advanced then they where in their day!! chuckle!. Well that is exactly I’m sure their response was to their not so mainstream contemporaries in their day. Astronomers that roll their eyes when they hear about MW, well for people who look at the cosmos past, don’t really have any room to Chuckle. I would consider them just mere narrow minded lookers without a clue.

]]> By: New Science Blog « Perverse Egalitarianism http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5394 New Science Blog « Perverse Egalitarianism Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:54:38 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5394 [...] 19, 2009 by Mikhail Emelianov I came across this intersting blog - check it out. Here’s an example of the post discussing Quantum Mechanics and some of it’s philosophical implications (old [...] [...] 19, 2009 by Mikhail Emelianov I came across this intersting blog – check it out. Here’s an example of the post discussing Quantum Mechanics and some of it’s philosophical implications (old [...]

]]> By: Siddharta http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5393 Siddharta Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:49:11 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5393 Do physicists consider the works of philosophers like, say, David Lewis? Do physicists consider the works of philosophers like, say, David Lewis?

]]> By: Christopher M http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5392 Christopher M Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:15:35 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5392 I am a little confused by this description of the MWI: "Every time a measurement is made, the world splits off into as many copies..." I thought -- and you seem to say elsewhere in this post -- that the MWI doesn't need to give any special status to "measurements." There's just the wavefunction and its evolution over time, right? Does the so-called "splitting" involve discrete events, or just a continuous, infinitely-finely-grained branching? I am a little confused by this description of the MWI: “Every time a measurement is made, the world splits off into as many copies…” I thought — and you seem to say elsewhere in this post — that the MWI doesn’t need to give any special status to “measurements.” There’s just the wavefunction and its evolution over time, right? Does the so-called “splitting” involve discrete events, or just a continuous, infinitely-finely-grained branching?

]]> By: How to Get Six Pack Fast http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5381 How to Get Six Pack Fast Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:42:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5381 I follow your blog for a long time and must tell you that your articles always prove to be of a high value and quality for readers. I follow your blog for a long time and must tell you that your articles always prove to be of a high value and quality for readers.

]]> By: patrick http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5368 patrick Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:18:33 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5368 Are many-worlds and multiple universes separate ideas? Does the graviton play into the many-worlds theory? Can any of these worlds be somehow connected to a surrounding observable universe in which the deviations of our reality actually exist in their own reality? Are these worlds governed by the same time? If the scientist making the measurements splits into other worlds, doesn't his world go with him? If so, doesn't that mean we already existed in other worlds before then, or does each new world's time line begin in a laboratory? Yes, no, undetermined? Are many-worlds and multiple universes separate ideas?
Does the graviton play into the many-worlds theory?
Can any of these worlds be somehow connected to a surrounding observable universe in which the deviations of our reality actually exist in their own reality?
Are these worlds governed by the same time?
If the scientist making the measurements splits into other worlds, doesn’t his world go with him?
If so, doesn’t that mean we already existed in other worlds before then, or does each new world’s time line begin in a laboratory?
Yes, no, undetermined?

]]> By: edendane http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5349 edendane Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:48:47 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5349 The concept that gets to me is one of connecting the function of uncertanty and the theory that ( i know that i am getting the name wrong) the universe holds fixed context, information. the two seem to be diametrically opposed, how can potential be actually "uncertain" when the context for it is prexisting. This does not even get into the horrizon problems and exactly where, in the quantum mean are these dimensions "housed". how does this relate to Bells theory, and entanglement, ect.ect. The concept that gets to me is one of connecting the function of uncertanty and the theory that ( i know that i am getting the name wrong) the universe holds fixed context, information. the two seem to be diametrically opposed, how can potential be actually “uncertain” when the context for it is prexisting. This does not even get into the horrizon problems and exactly where, in the quantum mean are these dimensions “housed”.
how does this relate to Bells theory, and entanglement, ect.ect.

]]> By: adam frank http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5311 adam frank Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:25:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5311 I am amazed at how modern cosmology has gotten into ideas that would have seemed like the most wacked out of possibilities a few decades ago. The crucial difference between it and theological metaphysics will be if theories of multi-verse can be falsified (Karl Popper again). If not then one has to ask what their status as "knowledge" should be. Many astronomers roll their eyes at mention of the multiverse (the still do for inflation but less so now that there is some evidence pointing in that direction). @Mike - I agree about subjectivity. I have always imagined that eventually science would have develop a real account for it rather than brush it away. Developing that account would pose both great challenges and opportunities. I am amazed at how modern cosmology has gotten into ideas that would have seemed like the most wacked out of possibilities a few decades ago. The crucial difference between it and theological metaphysics will be if theories of multi-verse can be falsified (Karl Popper again). If not then one has to ask what their status as “knowledge” should be. Many astronomers roll their eyes at mention of the multiverse (the still do for inflation but less so now that there is some evidence pointing in that direction).

@Mike – I agree about subjectivity. I have always imagined that eventually science would have develop a real account for it rather than brush it away. Developing that account would pose both great challenges and opportunities.

]]> By: Mike Gottschalk http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5310 Mike Gottschalk Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:37:47 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5310 My hope is that some day, the phenomenon of subjective experience, is given the credibility of whackiness accorded to QM. How do we let our familiarity breed such contempt? My hope is that some day, the phenomenon of subjective experience, is given the credibility of whackiness accorded to QM. How do we let our familiarity breed such contempt?

]]> By: PeterS http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5309 PeterS Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:47:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5309 The MWI has some interesting implications. But imagine I had constructed a theology on the basis of the MWI merely adjusting the terminology. Then imagine the snide, scornful, dismissive reaction of our Fundamentalist Atheist friends. I would have been banished to the outer cosmos as a religious nutter. Weird and wacky in cosmology is 'in' and religion is weird and wacky but that is definitely 'out'. That is just not cricket! The MWI has some interesting implications. But imagine I had constructed a theology on the basis of the MWI merely adjusting the terminology. Then imagine the snide, scornful, dismissive reaction of our Fundamentalist Atheist friends. I would have been banished to the outer cosmos as a religious nutter. Weird and wacky in cosmology is ‘in’ and religion is weird and wacky but that is definitely ‘out’. That is just not cricket!

]]> By: adam frank http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5303 adam frank Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:58:28 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5303 I love Neal Stephenson and have Anathem on my list of to reads... I love Neal Stephenson and have Anathem on my list of to reads…

]]> By: adam frank http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5302 adam frank Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:56:30 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5302 Just a couple of notes. I think the most interesting thing about the conflicting interpretations of QM is that it means some very fundemental aspect of our understanding, of our "picture" of reality has yet to be resolved. Note its possible that it WILL be resolved in some very classical manner (I think this is what Popper wanted) but that has not happened yet (100 years and counting). It may be that physicists and philosophers and all of us will be left with the world that can not be fully determined (or pictured) in the classical sense. Either direction will have consequences for how we understand both the Universe and our place in it. I am not sure how or if this should have consequences for the science and religion debate just becuase I think results and specific theories are a slippery ground to build connections between what people experience as "sacred" and the general worldview of science. Metaphors are important though and are often traded between art and science and culture as part of a broad zietgiest. They can guide thinking and act as a means interpretation for experience. Just a couple of notes. I think the most interesting thing about the conflicting interpretations of QM is that it means some very fundemental aspect of our understanding, of our “picture” of reality has yet to be resolved. Note its possible that it WILL be resolved in some very classical manner (I think this is what Popper wanted) but that has not happened yet (100 years and counting).

It may be that physicists and philosophers and all of us will be left with the world that can not be fully determined (or pictured) in the classical sense. Either direction will have consequences for how we understand both the Universe and our place in it. I am not sure how or if this should have consequences for the science and religion debate just becuase I think results and specific theories are a slippery ground to build connections between what people experience as “sacred” and the general worldview of science. Metaphors are important though and are often traded between art and science and culture as part of a broad zietgiest. They can guide thinking and act as a means interpretation for experience.

]]> By: Eric the Leaf http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2008/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/comment-page-1/#comment-5301 Eric the Leaf Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:44:24 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/realitybase/2009/04/06/the-platonic-imperative-reality-and-the-many-worlds-of-quantum-mechanics/#comment-5301 see "Anathem" see “Anathem”

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