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1 Statistical Evidence Against Simple Forms of Wavefunction Collapse ∗

Published Jan 1, 2011• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Abstract If the initial quantum state of the universe is a multiverse superposition over many different sets of values of the effective coupling ‘constants’ of physics, and if this quantum state collapses to an eigenstate of the set of coupling ‘constants’ with a probability purely proportional to the absolute square of the amplitude (with no additional factor for something like life or consciousness), then one should not expect that the coupling ‘constants’ would be so biophilic as they are observed to be. Therefore, the observed biophilic values (apparent fine tuning) of the coupling ‘constants’ is statistical evidence against such simple forms of wavefunction collapse.

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Statistical evidence against simple forms of wavefunction collapse

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On the causal efficacy of qualia: Philosophical zombies are fine-tuned, and implications for the quantum measurement theory

Brownstein, Adam

We suggest that qualia have a causally efficacious role in quantum mechanics; an occurrence which explains how information about qualia can enter the physical environment. This is compatible with the unitary time-evolution of the quantum state if qualia are understood as effecting the beables of the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation or wavefunction collapse process rather than at the wavefunction level. We furthermore suggest that not all quantum states are consistent with qualia. If this is the case, the standard wavefunction collapse postulates of the Copenhagen interpretation will fail to select only those states which are consistent with qualia, and the Born-rule must be modified if wavefunction collapse is to generate the correct dynamical histories across time. This new model which includes qualia clearly demonstrates how non-linear and self-referential phenomena can occur, despite the linear, deterministic time-evolution of the wavefunction. We reject the notion that physical matter operates independently of qualia, and find that the main evidence for epiphenomenalism i.e. the causal closure of the underlying physical time-evolution, has failed to take into consideration fine-tuning of the microcausal degrees of freedom. We propose that the philosophical zombie argument is fine-tuned in the initial conditions, thus making philosophical zombies statistically unlikely if the fine-tuning is removed. We furthermore suggest the presence of fine-tuning can be used as a test for consciousness in the general case. This explains why some classical processes such as computer circuits may never be conscious; because they lack the capacity for fine-tuning when the dynamics is reversed.

arXiv:2502.07865•Feb 11, 2025•0 citations
Abstract If the initial quantum state of the universe is a multiverse superposition over many different sets of values of the effective coupling ‘constants’ of physics, and if this quantum state collapses to an eigenstate of the set of coupling ‘constants’ with a probability purely proportional to the absolute square of the amplitude (with no additional factor for something like life or consciousness), then one should not expect that the coupling ‘constants’ would be so biophilic as they are observed to be. Therefore, the observed biophilic values (apparent fine tuning) of the coupling ‘constants’ is statistical evidence against such simple forms of wavefunction collapse.
If the initial quantum state of the universe is a multiverse superposition over many different sets of values of the effective coupling "constants" of physics, and if this quantum state collapses to an eigenstate of the set of coupling "constants" with a probability purely proportional to the absolute square of the amplitude (with no additional factor for something like life or consciousness), then one should not expect that the coupling `constants' would be so biophilic as they are observed to be. Therefore, the observed biophilic values (apparent fine tuning) of the coupling "constants" is statistical evidence against such simple forms of wavefunction collapse.
Abstract The concept of the collapse of the wave function was introduced into quantum theory by John von Neumann in the early 1930s and has since become an integral part of the theory’s orthodox interpretation. But if we were to ask ourselves what evidence we have that this collapse is a real physical phenomenon, we would have to admit that we have none. The notion of a collapse is necessary to explain how a quantum system initially present in a linear superposition state before the process of measurement is converted into a quantum system present in one, and only one, of the measurement eigenstates after the process has occurred. It was introduced into the theory because it is our experience that pointers point in only one direction at a time.
The fine structure constant (α≈1/137) governs the strength of electromagnetic interaction and is fundamental to the existence of atoms, chemistry, and life. Despite its central importance, no theoretical derivation for its specific value exists in standard physics. This paper proposes a novel hypothesis grounded in the Integrated Consciousness Studies (ICS) framework: that α is not an arbitrary physical constant, but a fundamental "coupling constant" between consciousness and the electromagnetic field. Building on the Matter-to-Information Conversion (MIC) and Directed Decoherence models, we argue that 1/137 represents the precise informational threshold required for consciousness to "collapse" into stable material reality. This perspective reinterprets the fine-tuning of the universe as a functional requirement for conscious agency. Fine Structure Constant, 1/137, Alpha, Electromagnetism, Fine-Tuning Problem, Quantum Decoherence, Integrated Information Theory (IIT), Inside-Out Universe, Consciousness-Matter Coupling
We suggest that qualia have a causally efficacious role in quantum mechanics; an occurrence which explains how information about qualia can enter the physical environment. This is compatible with the unitary time-evolution of the quantum state if qualia are understood as effecting the beables of the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation or wavefunction collapse process rather than at the wavefunction level. We furthermore suggest that not all quantum states are consistent with qualia. If this is the case, the standard wavefunction collapse postulates of the Copenhagen interpretation will fail to select only those states which are consistent with qualia, and the Born-rule must be modified if wavefunction collapse is to generate the correct dynamical histories across time. This new model which includes qualia clearly demonstrates how non-linear and self-referential phenomena can occur, despite the linear, deterministic time-evolution of the wavefunction. We reject the notion that physical matter operates independently of qualia, and find that the main evidence for epiphenomenalism i.e. the causal closure of the underlying physical time-evolution, has failed to take into consideration fine-tuning of the microcausal degrees of freedom. We propose that the philosophical zombie argument is fine-tuned in the initial conditions, thus making philosophical zombies statistically unlikely if the fine-tuning is removed. We furthermore suggest the presence of fine-tuning can be used as a test for consciousness in the general case. This explains why some classical processes such as computer circuits may never be conscious; because they lack the capacity for fine-tuning when the dynamics is reversed.