Thread: We are all gods

Originally Posted by phfreak

In quantum mechanic's experiments, like the double slit experiment,t it can be shown that the act of observing an event effects the outcome of that event. So I was thinking maybe we all collectively create the reality in which we live and in essence we are all the architects of the universe. Without any conscious being the whole universe would exist in superposition without anything definite ever happening.

The double slit experiment demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light and extremely small things like electrons. Whether or not the outcome of an experiment is determined by the act of conscious observation depends on your interpretation of quantum mechanics. Yours seems to be the Copenhagen interpretation. It's probably the most popular interpretation, but is by no means overwhelmingly popular nor the only interpretation. Until there's a scientific consensus, making any speculation based on it is kind of like wondering what you're going to do with the $10,000 you're going to win at the casino next month.

Originally Posted by Clearfocus

Having dabbled in physics, the idea which you are speaking of was warped by a movie called the Rabbits Hole. The reason viewing a particle like in the double slit experiment changes the particle is because these particles are very sensitive to viewing instruments. In order to view something of that size, you must use another particle to bounce off of it effectively changing the quantum state of the particle. The trick is to view the particle indirectly to avoid changing said properties. Some "educational" films have effectively sensationalized this in the wrong way.

The effect of measurement apparatus by itself isn't enough to explain away those kinds of oddities in QM. Again, it crucially depends on your interpretation of QM.

Originally Posted by phfreak

I am extremely interested in learning more and would appreciate any guidance in finding sources to further my knowledge.

What's your maths/physics background like? You could probably read any of the undergrad intros to QM with as little as single variable calculus, some linear algebra and high school level physics. Some of the exercises might get quite tough, though.

Originally Posted by animal87

Just another little piece of info most fossil records do not show gradual changes from animal to animal. It is almost always a drastic change in a very short period of time to fairly different animal. So either its not true or evolution occurs fast enough it would happen quickly enough to be observed by humans.

You're probably referring to punctuated equilibrium, which is just an alternate take on the mechanism of evolution. So even if it's true, it's still evolution. And keep in mind that a 'very short period of time' to evolutionary biologists is something like thousands to millions of years.

Originally Posted by bufbiker

I've never seen one evolve into a human, nor has anyone else in the history of mankind.

But we can use genetics to look back into our history. And there's very strong evidence that humans and apes share a common ancestor.