Our understanding of reality is often distorted, shaped by our senses, societal constructs, and the knowledge we possess. It's worth reconsidering the assumption that science can always provide an objective reality, especially in light of recent developments in physics.
Our perceptions of reality are often distorted, shaped by
our senses, societal constructs, and the knowledge we possess. You might want
to reconsider the notion that science will always furnish an objective reality,
given recent developments in the field of physics.
In 1961, Nobel laureate Eugen Wigner proposed a hypothesis,
now known as the "Wigner's Friend" experiment. The experiment entails
a quantum system in superposition, implying that its states exist
simultaneously until measured. For instance, the polarization (the axis on
which a photon spins) can be both horizontal and vertical at the same time.
When this system is measured, it collapses, and the photon
assumes one of the two states. Wigner's friend, the person in the lab
conducting the experiment, witnesses this. However, for Wigner, who is outside
the lab and unaware of the experiment's result, the quantum system, which
crucially includes the lab, remains in superposition. This results in a paradox
where Wigner's reality and his friend's reality coexist, each accurate in its
own right.
Testing this theory was a challenge for a long time,
primarily because it was strenuous for Wigner to comprehend the complex quantum
mechanics formula after witnessing his friend conduct an experiment. However,
recent advancements have enabled scientists to design a quantum mechanics
experiment that mirrors this exact scenario.
In a groundbreaking six-photon experiment, four entangled
observers within the system demonstrated that while one part of the system
registered a measurement, another part indicated that the measurement hadn't
taken place. In essence, two realities were measured simultaneously. This
experiment supports the assertions made by quantum theories that already
consider observer dependence.
The researchers in this study, which is yet to undergo peer
review but is available on ArXiv, claim that this finding challenges the
objective nature of the facts established by the two observers. The question
remains: can their different records be reconciled, or are they fundamentally
incompatible?
Science remains our best tool for understanding reality, but
we must recognize the influence and limitations of observers. Relativity
teaches us that observers may not witness simultaneous events at the same time.
Quantum physics shows us that observers can influence their experiments. Now,
it appears that two realities can coexist, at least at the quantum level.
We are aware of how skewed our perception of reality is. How
we see the world is shaped by our senses, our societies, and our knowledge.
And you may want to rethink your belief that science will
always provide you with objective reality.
Physicists can now verify a hypothesis that Nobel Prize
winner Eugen Wigner initially put out in 1961.
The setting of the experiment, dubbed “Wigner’s Friend,” is
not too difficult. You begin with a quantum system that is in superposition,
which implies that both of its states exist concurrently up to the point of
measurement. In this example, the polarisation (the axis on which a photon
spins) is both horizontal and vertical.
When they measure it, the system will collapse and the
photon will be stuck into one of those two states. Wigner’s buddy is in the lab
doing the experiment. However, the quantum system—which, crucially, also
includes the lab—remains in superposition for Wigner, who is outside the lab
and uninformed of the outcome of the experiment.
Despite having different outcomes, they are both accurate.
So, two objective realities, Wigner’s and Wigner’s friend’s seem to coexist.
(This is comparable to Schrödinger’s cat, a thought experiment also involving
superposition, assuming Schrödinger and his cat-in-a-box were both in a box.)
And that’s a problem.
It has been impossible to test this theory for a very long
time. Wigner finds it difficult to calculate the quantum mechanics formula
after seeing his buddy do an experiment. However, owing to recent advances,
scientists were able to create a quantum mechanics experiment that would
precisely replicate that.
A cutting-edge six-photon experiment and the system’s four
entangled observers demonstrated that while one component of the system
generated a measurement, the other revealed that the measurement had not been
made.
At once, two realities were measured. According to the
study, this supports the claim made by quantum theories whose framework already
takes observer dependence into account.
“This calls into question the objective status of the facts
established by the two observers,” the scientists write in their paper, which
is available to read on ArXiv.
Can their disparate records be reconciled, or are they
fundamentally incompatible—making it impossible for them to be regarded as
objective, observer-independent “facts of the world”?
The influence and limits of the observers are well
understood, despite the fact that science is the finest instrument we have for
understanding reality. Observers may not see simultaneous occurrences at the
same time, according to relativity.
We learn from quantum physics that observers have an impact on their experiments. Now it seems that two worlds may exist simultaneously, at least at the quantum level.
In 1961, Nobel laureate Eugen Wigner proposed the "Wigner's Friend" experiment, suggesting a quantum system in superposition, where states exist simultaneously until measured. For example, a photon's polarization could be both horizontal and vertical at the same time.
When the system is measured, it collapses, and the photon takes one of the two states. Wigner's friend, conducting the experiment, observes this collapse. However, for Wigner, unaware of the result, the quantum system, including the lab, remains in superposition. This creates a paradox where Wigner's and his friend's realities coexist, both valid.
Testing this theory was challenging, but recent advancements led to a six-photon experiment where entangled observers demonstrated simultaneous measurements of two realities. This aligns with quantum theories that account for observer dependence.
The study, yet to undergo peer review but available on ArXiv, challenges the objective nature of facts established by the two observers. The question arises: can their differing records be reconciled, or are they fundamentally incompatible?
While science remains a powerful tool for understanding
reality, we must acknowledge the influence and limitations of observers.
Relativity teaches us that observers may not witness simultaneous events, and
quantum physics reveals that observers can influence experiments. Now, it
appears that two realities can coexist, at least at the quantum level. Our
perception of reality is indeed skewed, shaped by our senses, societies, and
knowledge. So, reconsider the belief that science always provides an objective reality.