This article by Philip Ball discusses the common misconception about quantum particles being shape-shifters and advocates thinking in terms of probability distributions rather than waves and particles.
It explains that particles do not actually morph between waves and particles; rather, the probability distribution of observing a particle in a certain location can be described using wave-like equations such as the Schrödinger equation. The author emphasizes that wave-particle duality is a flawed classical analogy for the quantum world, and that quantum entities are only observed as particles in any given experimental run. The latest findings by Joris Verstraten and his team, which involve trapping and observing ultracold lithium atoms, support this interpretation by showing that the wavelike behavior is reconstructed from many particle-like observations.
This article argues for bridging the gap between analytic and phenomenological philosophy to gain new insights into the fundamental structure of reality. It suggests that phenomenology, with its focus on the structure of experience, can offer valuable perspectives on questions like the nature of time and quantum mechanics.
The article discusses a phenomenon known as the "Dynamic Quantum Cheshire Cat Effect", which is a type of quantum effect that allows physical properties to be separated from the objects to which they belong. The authors show that this effect can be generalized to dynamical settings, where the property that is separated from the particle can propagate in space and lead to a flux of conserved quantity.
Experiments that test physics and philosophy as 'a single whole' may be our only route to surefire knowledge about the universe.
Experimental metaphysics allows us to test fundamental assumptions about reality using scientific methods.
* The article discusses the work of key figures like John Stewart Bell, Alain Aspect, and Eric Cavalcanti.
* Experiments testing Bell's theorem and Wigner's friend paradox have led to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.
* The future of experimental metaphysics is promising, with ongoing research exploring the implications for our understanding of consciousness, quantum gravity, and the nature of reality itself.
The article emphasizes that experimental metaphysics is not just a philosophical exercise but a vital field of research that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.
This article presents a white paper summarizing current knowledge on quantum gravity phenomenology and its multi-messenger signals. It provides an overview of the field, discusses experimental and observational signatures, and identifies key questions and challenges.
A proposed experiment using a quantum-mechanical AI to test the Wigner’s Friend thought experiment could have profound implications for our understanding of quantum reality and the nature of observation.
This paper explores the concept of infra-Bayesian physicalism and its application to interpreting quantum mechanics, particularly in the context of an agent-environment system. The author outlines their formal setup, including the definition of key terms such as 'agent', 'observation', and 'state'. They also delve into the differences between the traditional many-worlds interpretation and the infra-Bayesian physicalist setup. Finally, they provide an overview of the structure of the paper, dividing it into various sections.