English

Reality in quantum mechanics, Extended Everett Concept, and consciousness

General Physics 2009-11-13 v1 Quantum Physics

Abstract

Conceptual problems in quantum mechanics result from the specific quantum concept of reality and require, for their solution, including the observer's consciousness into quantum theory of measurements. Most naturally this is achieved in the framework of Everett's "many-worlds interpretation" of quantum mechanics. According to this interpretation, various classical alternatives are perceived by consciousness separately from each other. In the Extended Everett Concept (EEC) proposed by the present author, the separation of the alternatives is identified with the phenomenon of consciousness. This explains classical character of the alternatives and unusual manifestations of consciousness arising "at the edge of consciousness" (i.e. in sleep or trance) when its access to "other alternative classical realities" (other Everett's worlds) becomes feasible. Because of reversibility of quantum evolution in EEC, all time moments in the quantum world are equivalent while the impression of flow of time appears only in consciousness. If it is assumed that consciousness may influence onto probabilities of alternatives (which is consistent in case of infinitely many Everett's worlds), EEC explains free will, "probabilistic miracles" (observing low-probability events) and decreasing entropy in the sphere of life.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0608309,
  title  = {Reality in quantum mechanics, Extended Everett Concept, and consciousness},
  author = {Michael B. Mensky},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0608309},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

17 pages, 2 figures in EPS

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