Q&A: Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Question
Hi. a0 a0
You’ve discussed this a lot, but for some reason something still doesn’t sit right with me about it. This is in connection with the question that was asked recently about that rabbi who “trashes” science in the name of insights supposedly arising from quantum mechanics.
That rabbi’s basic claim is meant to undermine objective truth, and apparently rational discourse too (at least in its modern form).
I think he’s mistaken, because:
1. The basic weirdness of the quantum world does not apply to large systems, which are most of what we encounter in everyday life.
2. Even regarding quantum systems, he made far too sweeping a claim. Because despite its weirdness, quantum mechanics is based on laws rigid enough to provide reproducible explanations and successful predictions. Beyond that, to the best of my understanding, all electronic technology is built on the invention of the transistor, and it itself could not have been created without our understanding quantum regularities. a0
Do you agree with the two points I raised? Is there anything else?
Answer
Absolutely.
Discussion on Answer
Okay, so while I’m on a roll, maybe one more small thing.
Regarding the Copenhagen interpretation (not the commenter here on the site, the original one).
If I understand it correctly, its main point is expressed in the claim that, at least regarding the quantum world, ordinary binary logic has no place. Supposedly the state of superposition “proves” that there are states that cannot be described dually as false or true.
This idea seems nonsensical to me: Bohr’s claim itself uses classical binary logic, including in Bohr’s own eyes. After all, he assumes that it can be true (and in his opinion it actually is true). In other words: he himself describes quantum weirdness in a completely conventional and banal way. There goes the weirdness.
Agree?
This is a more complex discussion. I completely agree. Moreover, any claim that quantum mechanics refutes a logical rule (what is called the approach of “quantum logic”) is nonsense. Quantum mechanics itself is based on classical logic. Therefore the Copenhagen interpretation has nothing to do with logic, contrary to how it is usually presented. See Wikipedia on the “Copenhagen interpretation.” It has no connection to logic.
Many thanks