Current Essay Contest
Previous Contests
What's Ultimately Possible in Physics?
Spring 2009
Special Thanks to Bruce & Astrid McWilliams
read/discuss • winners
The Nature of Time
Spring 2008
read/discuss • winners
The essay contest is currently closed
Previous Contests
What's Ultimately Possible in Physics?
Spring 2009
Special Thanks to Bruce & Astrid McWilliams
read/discuss • winners
The Nature of Time
Spring 2008
read/discuss • winners
Forum Home
Introduction
Terms of Use
RSS feed | RSS help
Introduction
Terms of Use
Posts by the author are highlighted in orange; posts by FQXi Members are highlighted in blue.
By using the FQXi Forum, you acknowledge reading and agree to abide by the Terms of Use RSS feed | RSS help
FQXi FORUM
September 2, 2010
CATEGORY:
What's Ultimately Possible in Physics? Essay Contest
[back]
TOPIC: Ultimately, Experimental Metaphysics Will Triumph by James Graber [refresh]
TOPIC: Ultimately, Experimental Metaphysics Will Triumph by James Graber [refresh]
Essay Abstract
We propose that just as Bell’s theorem made possible experimental tests of the Einstein Rosen Podolsky arguments as improved by Bohm, in the future decisive experimental tests will become possible for many of the currently contentious issues at the foundations of quantum mechanics. We predict that some of these experimental resolutions of previously metaphysical questions may come soon, partly as a byproduct of efforts to produce quantum computers, in particular one-way measurement-based computers, and partly as a result of directed efforts such as the attempts to produce ever larger macroscopic Schrodinger cats.
Author Bio
Jim Graber got an undergraduate degree in mathematics approximately fifty years ago and has been working with computers ever since. He has occasionally used computers to build models and study amenable physics problems. He currently reads the abstracts for GR-QC, HEP-EX, QUANT-PH and ASTRO-PH daily and typically skims about four physics papers each day.
Download Essay PDF File
report post as inappropriate
We propose that just as Bell’s theorem made possible experimental tests of the Einstein Rosen Podolsky arguments as improved by Bohm, in the future decisive experimental tests will become possible for many of the currently contentious issues at the foundations of quantum mechanics. We predict that some of these experimental resolutions of previously metaphysical questions may come soon, partly as a byproduct of efforts to produce quantum computers, in particular one-way measurement-based computers, and partly as a result of directed efforts such as the attempts to produce ever larger macroscopic Schrodinger cats.
Author Bio
Jim Graber got an undergraduate degree in mathematics approximately fifty years ago and has been working with computers ever since. He has occasionally used computers to build models and study amenable physics problems. He currently reads the abstracts for GR-QC, HEP-EX, QUANT-PH and ASTRO-PH daily and typically skims about four physics papers each day.
Download Essay PDF File
report post as inappropriate
James,
A Graber should be a digger, not a skimmer. Try to understand. . Do you expect the LHC providing evidence for SUSY, and do you believe in quantum computers that will work as promised?
Eckard
report post as inappropriate
A Graber should be a digger, not a skimmer. Try to understand. . Do you expect the LHC providing evidence for SUSY, and do you believe in quantum computers that will work as promised?
Eckard
report post as inappropriate
James
I agree with both your main points. Every resolution of a physics problem can only be achieved through data obtained from experiments. If we are to solve the ultimate problems of Emergence & Consciousness we must first have accurate relevant data. We are nearing the computational limits of today's computers. So achieving accuracy may become difficult. New computational machines (and algorithms) will be needed; and science will have to include Computer / Information Science as a fundamental discipline.
Two quibbles: (a) I would not term the problems "metaphysical"; (b) I am not convinced about "quantum" computers, for I share Laughlin's reservations. May be biological is the way to go.
My essay endorses the primacy of experimental data (I denote it "Reasonable") over (Rational) theoretical formulations.
report post as inappropriate
I agree with both your main points. Every resolution of a physics problem can only be achieved through data obtained from experiments. If we are to solve the ultimate problems of Emergence & Consciousness we must first have accurate relevant data. We are nearing the computational limits of today's computers. So achieving accuracy may become difficult. New computational machines (and algorithms) will be needed; and science will have to include Computer / Information Science as a fundamental discipline.
Two quibbles: (a) I would not term the problems "metaphysical"; (b) I am not convinced about "quantum" computers, for I share Laughlin's reservations. May be biological is the way to go.
My essay endorses the primacy of experimental data (I denote it "Reasonable") over (Rational) theoretical formulations.
report post as inappropriate
Add a New Post