Psience Quest

The “Scientific World-view” Needs an Update

Josh Mittledorf

Quote:What is the scientific world-view?

How do we know it is wrong? Six stories

1. The Anthropic Principle
   
2. Memory is not only in synapses. Thought is not confined to brains.
   
3. PSI research, especially the REG experiments of Jahn and Dunne
   
4. Bell’s Theorem is a proof that the observer participates in the creation of reality.
   
5. QM of many-particle systems
   
6. Quantum Zeno Effect
   

What will our world look like after the coming paradigm shift?

I don't know about 4 - IIRC Bell wasn't necessary endorsing conscious observers? I know Wheeler definitely suggested a computer of some kind could be an observer.

I do agree quantum biology in tandem with materialism diminishing in prominence could result in a paradigm shift though.

To me, a computer as an observer is like a piece of driftwood washed up on a beach. It marks the position reached by a high tide. In that sense it is keeping a record, making an observation. But ... it doesn't seem to carry any particular significance. What is it about an observer which is the significant factor, its essence? (rhetorical - unless anyone has any suggestions).

(2020-01-04, 10:08 PM)Typoz Wrote: [ -> ]To me, a computer as an observer is like a piece of driftwood washed up on a beach. It marks the position reached by a high tide. In that sense it is keeping a record, making an observation. But ... it doesn't seem to carry any particular significance. What is it about an observer which is the significant factor, its essence? (rhetorical - unless anyone has any suggestions).

I have the same issues, but "observer" as Wheeler intended had a specific connection to physics. I recall Wheeler had a long-ish paper where he elaborated on this question beyond the "It from Bit" work Information, Physics, Quantum: Search for Links....I'll try to find it...