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Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks

Group intuition and intentionality: collective action at-a-distance?

Raymond Trevor Bradley

Published Jul 8, 2020• 5 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This chapter explores intuition in the context of phenomena that involve action at-a-distance – the transmission of a force or effect by no known physical means. Because they contradict the laws of physics, they defy reason and commonsense. Nowadays, though, action-at-a-distance is known as nonlocality. And, following experiments confirming quantum entanglement in the 1980s, nonlocality is accepted as a scientific fact. Moreover, because the individual particles in particle pairings appear to act is if they instantly ‘know’ what is happening to each other and display an unconditional, unbreakable union, some physicists characterize this bond as ‘passion at-a-distance’. In short, quantum entanglement is not only seen as fundamental to understanding the physical universe but is also thought integral to the question of consciousness – and may provide a new explanation for group intuitions.

DOI
10.4337/9781788979757.00024

Related papers

Nonlocality

George Jaroszkiewicz

Introduction Our concern in this chapter is locality in quantum mechanics (QM). Locality is a heuristic physics principle based on the following propositions. No Action-at-a-Distance All the evidence points to the principle that physical actions, taken within restricted (localized) regions of space and time by observers or other agencies such as systems under observation (SUOs), do not cause instantly observable effects on other SUOs at large distances. This does not apply to mathematical/ metaphysical concepts such as quantum wave functions or correlations, as these are conceptual objects (Scarani et al., 2000). Statements about instantaneous wave function collapse are vacuous (have no empirical significance) and are therefore not an issue of significance in physics. Such statements are an issue to theorists who objectivize wave functions, as in Hidden Variables (HV) theory. Action-at-a-distance is generally regarded as anathema by most physicists. For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation is well known for mathematically encoding action-at-a-distance. There is direct evidence, however, in the form of a letter written by Newton to Bentley, that Newton believed that gravity acting “at a distance through a vacuum without the mediation of anything else” was an absurdity (Newton, 2006). The no action-at-a-distance principle is encoded in quantized detector networks (QDN) by the requirement that labstate preparation and consequent signal detection never occur at the same stage. Causal Transmission All physically observable consequences of local actions taken by an observer or SUO are transmitted by identifiable physical processes, such as electromagnetic waves or neutrinos. There is no such thing as magic or action-at-a-distance . In QDN this proposition is taken into account implicitly in the labstate outcome amplitudes at each stage, as these model how information is propagated from stage to stage. When necessary, the information void can be modeled as if there were fields and/or particles propagating through it, giving scope for different mathematical models, such as Euclidean space, curved spacetime, noncommuting spacetimes, and so on. The structure of the information void is essentially a discussion of whatever modules have to be taken into account between labstate preparation and signal detection.

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Quantum Entanglement and Nonlocality: Insights into Modern Quantum Mechanics

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Quantum entanglement and nonlocality are two of the most profound and puzzling concepts in modern quantum mechanics. Quantum entanglement refers to the phenomenon where particlesbecome correlated in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state ofanother, even if they are separated by vast distances. Nonlocality, a concept closely related toentanglement, challenges our classical understanding of locality and causality, suggesting thatparticles can communicate instantaneously, defying the limitations imposed by the speed oflight. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of entanglement and nonlocality, theirexperimental validations, and their implications for future technologies, particularly in quantum computing and quantum communication. Furthermore, the study delves into thephilosophical ramifications of these phenomena, discussing their impact on our understandingof the nature of reality and the fundamental laws of physics

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Quantum Entanglement

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An exploration of quantum entanglement and the ways in which it contradicts our everyday assumptions about the ultimate nature of reality. Quantum physics is notable for its brazen defiance of common sense. (Think of Schrödinger's Cat, famously both dead and alive.) An especially rigorous form of quantum contradiction occurs in experiments with entangled particles. Our common assumption is that objects have properties whether or not anyone is observing them, and the measurement of one can't affect the other. Quantum entanglement—called by Einstein “spooky action at a distance”—rejects this assumption, offering impeccable reasoning and irrefutable evidence of the opposite. Is quantum entanglement mystical, or just mystifying? In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Jed Brody equips readers to decide for themselves. He explains how our commonsense assumptions impose constraints—from which entangled particles break free. Brody explores such concepts as local realism, Bell's inequality, polarization, time dilation, and special relativity. He introduces readers to imaginary physicists Alice and Bob and their photon analyses; points out that it's easier to reject falsehood than establish the truth; and reports that some physicists explain entanglement by arguing that we live in a cross-section of a higher-dimensional reality. He examines a variety of viewpoints held by physicists, including quantum decoherence, Niels Bohr's Copenhagen interpretation, genuine fortuitousness, and QBism. This relatively recent interpretation, an abbreviation of “quantum Bayesianism,” holds that there's no such thing as an absolutely accurate, objective probability “out there,” that quantum mechanical probabilities are subjective judgments, and there's no “action at a distance,” spooky or otherwise.

The MIT Press eBooks•Feb 18, 2020•27 citations

The Non-Local Universe

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Abstract Classical physics states that physical reality is local—a point in space cannot influence another point beyond a relatively short distance. However, In 1997, experiments were conducted in which light particles (photons) originated under certain conditions and traveled in opposite directions to detectors located about seven miles apart. The amazing results indicated that the photons “interacted” or “communicated” with one another instantly or “in no time”. Since a distance of seven miles is quite vast in quantum physics, this led physicists to an extraordinary conclusion—even if experiments could somehow be conducted in which the distance between the detectors was half-way across the known universe, the results would indicate that interaction or communication between the photons would be instantaneous. What was revealed in these little-known experiments in 1997 is that physical reality is non-local—a discovery that Robert Nadeau and Menas Kafatos view as “the most momentous in the history of science”. In The Non-Local Universe, Nadeau and Kafatos offer a revolutionary look at the breathtaking implications of non-locality. They argue that since every particle in the universe has been “entangled” with other particles like the two photons in the 1997 experiments, physical reality on the most basic level is an undivided wholeness. In addition to demonstrating that physical processes are vastly interdependent and interactive, they also show that more complex systems in both physics and biology display emergent properties and/or behaviors that cannot be explained in the terms of the sum of parts. One of the most startling implications of non-locality in human terms, claim the authors, is that there is no longer any basis for believing in the stark division between mind and world that has preoccupied much of western thought since the seventeenth century. And they also make a convincing case that human consciousness can now be viewed as emergent from and seamlessly connected with the entire cosmos. In pursuing this groundbreaking argument, the authors not only provide a fascinating history of developments that led to the discovery of non-locality and the sometimes heated debate between the great scientists responsible for these discoveries. They also argue that advances in scientific knowledge have further eroded the boundaries between physics and biology, and that recent studies on the evolution of the human brain suggest that the logical foundations of mathematics and ordinary language are much more similar than we previously imagined. What this new knowledge reveals, the authors conclude, is that the connection between mind and nature is far more intimate than we previously dared to imagine. What they offer is a revolutionary look at the implications of non-locality, implications that reach deep into that most intimate aspect of humanity: consciousness.

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Application of Quantum Entanglement in Quantum Communication

Dr. Birendra Kumar Yadav

The study of nature at the smallest scales, known as quantum physics, has uncovered occurrences that defy conventional wisdom. Among them, one of the most enigmatic and exciting discoveries is quantum entanglement. When two or more particles become correlated to the point that, regardless of the distance between them, the state of one particle is instantly connected to the state of the other, this is known as entanglement. Once referred to by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," this phenomenon has developed from a theoretical curiosity to a fundamental component of contemporary quantum technologies. Next-generation communication technologies are among its most revolutionary uses. The power of computational devices using silicon-based integrated circuits has advanced dramatically during the last few decades. Since the gadgets' size will soon approach atomic scales, this remarkable technological advancement based on the principles of classical physics cannot continue eternally. Quantum mechanics would control how these devices operate at these extreme natural regimes. In order to demonstrate drastically new kinds of computing and communication with quantum mechanical states of physical systems, physicists and computer scientists have developed concepts that take advantage of the quantum mechanical behavior of these devices. A basic and fascinating phenomenon in quantum mechanics, quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles become correlated to the point where the state of one instantly affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This study explores the theoretical underpinnings of quantum entanglement, including its mathematical formulation, important experimental validations, and implications for new technologies. We will talk about this in this paper. Quantum communication via quantum entanglement.

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A Review on Quantum Entanglement

R. Nishanth, Nithya shree, Om Gajanan Patil +2 more

Erwin Schrodinger first used the phrase “quantum entanglement” in 1935 to describe a mechanical phenomenon at the quantum level where two (or more) particles’ quantum states must be defined in relation to one another even if they may be geographically apart. This paradoxical event has confounded us for a very long time. Entangled particle behavior appears to be mysterious, illogical, and akin to sorcery at work. The successful and dependable principle of locality has led us to the achievements of twentieth-century physics. However, some theorists may doubt the locality itself due to the “spooky” and nonlocal effects of the local laws of quantum theory. Could there truly be an instant connection between two subatomic particles located on the extreme edges of the universe? Is there a theory that predicts such a relationship that is fundamentally faulty or lacking? Are the outcomes of the experiments that show this connection being read incorrectly? These questions challenge our most fundamental understanding of space and time. The universe is currently being disassembled by modern physics, and it will never be the same. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, quantum entanglement will have a positive impact on society. The history of quantum entanglement is outlined in this work, along with several hypotheses regarding the puzzling behavior of entangled particles. Quantum entanglement may also be an instance of nonlocality in action, in which what occurs in one location affects what occurs in another. Entanglement can also be compared to a situation in which a light switch is used to control two (or more) light bulbs, causing them to turn on at the same time when the switch is switched on. The key question is whether one of the aforementioned theories actually accounts for the odd behavior of entangled particles, in which case experimental evidence would unquestionably support the theory.

Research & Reviews Journal of Physics•Jan 1, 2022•1 citation
This chapter explores intuition in the context of phenomena that involve action at-a-distance – the transmission of a force or effect by no known physical means. Because they contradict the laws of physics, they defy reason and commonsense. Nowadays, though, action-at-a-distance is known as nonlocality. And, following experiments confirming quantum entanglement in the 1980s, nonlocality is accepted as a scientific fact. Moreover, because the individual particles in particle pairings appear to act is if they instantly ‘know’ what is happening to each other and display an unconditional, unbreakable union, some physicists characterize this bond as ‘passion at-a-distance’. In short, quantum entanglement is not only seen as fundamental to understanding the physical universe but is also thought integral to the question of consciousness – and may provide a new explanation for group intuitions.
Introduction Our concern in this chapter is locality in quantum mechanics (QM). Locality is a heuristic physics principle based on the following propositions. No Action-at-a-Distance All the evidence points to the principle that physical actions, taken within restricted (localized) regions of space and time by observers or other agencies such as systems under observation (SUOs), do not cause instantly observable effects on other SUOs at large distances. This does not apply to mathematical/ metaphysical concepts such as quantum wave functions or correlations, as these are conceptual objects (Scarani et al., 2000). Statements about instantaneous wave function collapse are vacuous (have no empirical significance) and are therefore not an issue of significance in physics. Such statements are an issue to theorists who objectivize wave functions, as in Hidden Variables (HV) theory. Action-at-a-distance is generally regarded as anathema by most physicists. For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation is well known for mathematically encoding action-at-a-distance. There is direct evidence, however, in the form of a letter written by Newton to Bentley, that Newton believed that gravity acting “at a distance through a vacuum without the mediation of anything else” was an absurdity (Newton, 2006). The no action-at-a-distance principle is encoded in quantized detector networks (QDN) by the requirement that labstate preparation and consequent signal detection never occur at the same stage. Causal Transmission All physically observable consequences of local actions taken by an observer or SUO are transmitted by identifiable physical processes, such as electromagnetic waves or neutrinos. There is no such thing as magic or action-at-a-distance . In QDN this proposition is taken into account implicitly in the labstate outcome amplitudes at each stage, as these model how information is propagated from stage to stage. When necessary, the information void can be modeled as if there were fields and/or particles propagating through it, giving scope for different mathematical models, such as Euclidean space, curved spacetime, noncommuting spacetimes, and so on. The structure of the information void is essentially a discussion of whatever modules have to be taken into account between labstate preparation and signal detection.
Quantum entanglement and nonlocality are two of the most profound and puzzling concepts in modern quantum mechanics. Quantum entanglement refers to the phenomenon where particlesbecome correlated in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state ofanother, even if they are separated by vast distances. Nonlocality, a concept closely related toentanglement, challenges our classical understanding of locality and causality, suggesting thatparticles can communicate instantaneously, defying the limitations imposed by the speed oflight. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of entanglement and nonlocality, theirexperimental validations, and their implications for future technologies, particularly in quantum computing and quantum communication. Furthermore, the study delves into thephilosophical ramifications of these phenomena, discussing their impact on our understandingof the nature of reality and the fundamental laws of physics
An exploration of quantum entanglement and the ways in which it contradicts our everyday assumptions about the ultimate nature of reality. Quantum physics is notable for its brazen defiance of common sense. (Think of Schrödinger's Cat, famously both dead and alive.) An especially rigorous form of quantum contradiction occurs in experiments with entangled particles. Our common assumption is that objects have properties whether or not anyone is observing them, and the measurement of one can't affect the other. Quantum entanglement—called by Einstein “spooky action at a distance”—rejects this assumption, offering impeccable reasoning and irrefutable evidence of the opposite. Is quantum entanglement mystical, or just mystifying? In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Jed Brody equips readers to decide for themselves. He explains how our commonsense assumptions impose constraints—from which entangled particles break free. Brody explores such concepts as local realism, Bell's inequality, polarization, time dilation, and special relativity. He introduces readers to imaginary physicists Alice and Bob and their photon analyses; points out that it's easier to reject falsehood than establish the truth; and reports that some physicists explain entanglement by arguing that we live in a cross-section of a higher-dimensional reality. He examines a variety of viewpoints held by physicists, including quantum decoherence, Niels Bohr's Copenhagen interpretation, genuine fortuitousness, and QBism. This relatively recent interpretation, an abbreviation of “quantum Bayesianism,” holds that there's no such thing as an absolutely accurate, objective probability “out there,” that quantum mechanical probabilities are subjective judgments, and there's no “action at a distance,” spooky or otherwise.
Abstract Classical physics states that physical reality is local—a point in space cannot influence another point beyond a relatively short distance. However, In 1997, experiments were conducted in which light particles (photons) originated under certain conditions and traveled in opposite directions to detectors located about seven miles apart. The amazing results indicated that the photons “interacted” or “communicated” with one another instantly or “in no time”. Since a distance of seven miles is quite vast in quantum physics, this led physicists to an extraordinary conclusion—even if experiments could somehow be conducted in which the distance between the detectors was half-way across the known universe, the results would indicate that interaction or communication between the photons would be instantaneous. What was revealed in these little-known experiments in 1997 is that physical reality is non-local—a discovery that Robert Nadeau and Menas Kafatos view as “the most momentous in the history of science”. In The Non-Local Universe, Nadeau and Kafatos offer a revolutionary look at the breathtaking implications of non-locality. They argue that since every particle in the universe has been “entangled” with other particles like the two photons in the 1997 experiments, physical reality on the most basic level is an undivided wholeness. In addition to demonstrating that physical processes are vastly interdependent and interactive, they also show that more complex systems in both physics and biology display emergent properties and/or behaviors that cannot be explained in the terms of the sum of parts. One of the most startling implications of non-locality in human terms, claim the authors, is that there is no longer any basis for believing in the stark division between mind and world that has preoccupied much of western thought since the seventeenth century. And they also make a convincing case that human consciousness can now be viewed as emergent from and seamlessly connected with the entire cosmos. In pursuing this groundbreaking argument, the authors not only provide a fascinating history of developments that led to the discovery of non-locality and the sometimes heated debate between the great scientists responsible for these discoveries. They also argue that advances in scientific knowledge have further eroded the boundaries between physics and biology, and that recent studies on the evolution of the human brain suggest that the logical foundations of mathematics and ordinary language are much more similar than we previously imagined. What this new knowledge reveals, the authors conclude, is that the connection between mind and nature is far more intimate than we previously dared to imagine. What they offer is a revolutionary look at the implications of non-locality, implications that reach deep into that most intimate aspect of humanity: consciousness.
The study of nature at the smallest scales, known as quantum physics, has uncovered occurrences that defy conventional wisdom. Among them, one of the most enigmatic and exciting discoveries is quantum entanglement. When two or more particles become correlated to the point that, regardless of the distance between them, the state of one particle is instantly connected to the state of the other, this is known as entanglement. Once referred to by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," this phenomenon has developed from a theoretical curiosity to a fundamental component of contemporary quantum technologies. Next-generation communication technologies are among its most revolutionary uses. The power of computational devices using silicon-based integrated circuits has advanced dramatically during the last few decades. Since the gadgets' size will soon approach atomic scales, this remarkable technological advancement based on the principles of classical physics cannot continue eternally. Quantum mechanics would control how these devices operate at these extreme natural regimes. In order to demonstrate drastically new kinds of computing and communication with quantum mechanical states of physical systems, physicists and computer scientists have developed concepts that take advantage of the quantum mechanical behavior of these devices. A basic and fascinating phenomenon in quantum mechanics, quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles become correlated to the point where the state of one instantly affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This study explores the theoretical underpinnings of quantum entanglement, including its mathematical formulation, important experimental validations, and implications for new technologies. We will talk about this in this paper. Quantum communication via quantum entanglement.
Erwin Schrodinger first used the phrase “quantum entanglement” in 1935 to describe a mechanical phenomenon at the quantum level where two (or more) particles’ quantum states must be defined in relation to one another even if they may be geographically apart. This paradoxical event has confounded us for a very long time. Entangled particle behavior appears to be mysterious, illogical, and akin to sorcery at work. The successful and dependable principle of locality has led us to the achievements of twentieth-century physics. However, some theorists may doubt the locality itself due to the “spooky” and nonlocal effects of the local laws of quantum theory. Could there truly be an instant connection between two subatomic particles located on the extreme edges of the universe? Is there a theory that predicts such a relationship that is fundamentally faulty or lacking? Are the outcomes of the experiments that show this connection being read incorrectly? These questions challenge our most fundamental understanding of space and time. The universe is currently being disassembled by modern physics, and it will never be the same. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, quantum entanglement will have a positive impact on society. The history of quantum entanglement is outlined in this work, along with several hypotheses regarding the puzzling behavior of entangled particles. Quantum entanglement may also be an instance of nonlocality in action, in which what occurs in one location affects what occurs in another. Entanglement can also be compared to a situation in which a light switch is used to control two (or more) light bulbs, causing them to turn on at the same time when the switch is switched on. The key question is whether one of the aforementioned theories actually accounts for the odd behavior of entangled particles, in which case experimental evidence would unquestionably support the theory.