Here is a link to the YouTube video in which I discuss this:
First I will provide an overview of of the current state of the science on quantum mechanics, as I understand it. By way of background, this author holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies, and a Juris Doctorate.
I will then offer conclusions based on the current state of the science and “my” own experiences in meditative and other states of altered consciousness.
I. Overview of the current science
A quantum system refers to any physical system that exhibits behavior governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with matter at very small scales, such as atoms, subatomic particles, and photons. Unlike classical systems, quantum systems display unique properties that are not intuitive and often defy classical expectations, such as:
1. Superposition: Particles in a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously. For example, an electron in an atom does not have a single defined position but exists in a probability distribution until measured or observed.
2. Entanglement: Particles in a quantum system can become “entangled,” meaning their states are interdependent, even if separated by large distances. Changing the state of one particle affects the other particle instantaneously, regardless of distance, a phenomenon Einstein famously called “spooky action at a distance.”
3. Quantization: Certain properties, like energy, come in discrete “quanta,” or packets, rather than being continuous. This means that a particle’s energy levels are restricted to specific values.
4. Wave-Particle Duality: Particles in a quantum system, like electrons or photons, can behave both as particles and as waves.
Quantum systems are described by wave functions—probability functions that encode the probabilities of a particle’s properties, such as position and momentum. When measured, these wave functions “collapse” to specific values, making quantum systems dependent on observation and measurement.
5. Observation and measurement. What happens when a quantum system is observed or measured, and why is this considered a “problem” in theoretical physics?
The “measurement problem” concerns what happens when a quantum system is observed or measured. In quantum mechanics, particles like electrons and photons are described by a wave function: a probability distribution of all of the possible states the particle could be in. Once an initial observation takes place, the wave function collapses and evolves deterministically according to a mathematical equation known as Schrodinger’s equation.
Before an observation takes place, the particle is in a superposition of all possible states. See, e.g., the Schrodinger’s Cat thought experiment. But when the system is observed or measured, the wave function collapses to a single outcome. This collapse is not explained by the standard equations of quantum mechanics, leading to questions about what exactly constitutes a “measurement” or observation and why it causes the apparent collapse of what had been a set of probabilities into a single outcome. The conundrum is whether wave function collapse is a real, physical process or simply a result of the observer’s interaction with the system.
There are different interpretations of Quantum Mechanics. According to some interpretations—particularly the Copenhagen interpretation—a particle does not come into conventional physical existence until the quantum system is observed or measured. This interpretation, first advanced by Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Max Born and others, suggests that, before measurement, a quantum system “exists” in a superposition of all possible states, without definite properties like position or momentum. When a measurement or observation is made, the wave function collapses into a single outcome and, then and only then, the particle takes on physical properties. So in this view, particles lack physical attributes until the system is observed. This idea challenges the classical understanding of reality, where objects are simply “there,” having definite properties whether or not they are observed or measured.
The Copenhagen Interpretation is one of the oldest and most widely taught interpretations of quantum mechanics.
Alternatives to the Copenhagen interpretation include the so-called “many-worlds” or Everett interpretation. This interpretation denies wave function collapse and suggests instead that all possible outcomes of quantum observations are realized in a vast multiverse of branching realities. Each observation splits the universe of observer and observed into as many outcomes as possible, with each outcome happening in its own “world” or universe.
Yet another interpretation is De-Broglie-Bohm, a deterministic theory where particles have definite positions and velocities at all times, guided by a wave function. The act of measurement or observation reveals these properties but doesn’t actually cause a collapse of the wave function.
Finally, Quantum Bayesianism (QBism) views the wave function as a reflection of an observer’s personal knowledge or beliefs about the system, which is updated upon observation. In QBism, the wave function does not represent an objective reality but rather the observer’s personal belief or information about a quantum system. It’s a tool for making probabilistic predictions about future measurements.
Probabilities in QBism are subjective, reflecting the observer’s degree of belief about an event based on the observer’s information. When an observer observes a quantum system, they update their beliefs and probabilities based on the outcome.
In QBism, the measurement outcomes are personal experiences for the observer. The result of an observation does not reveal an objective fact about the quantum system, but rather updates the observer’s knowledge.
In short, in QBism the focus is on the observer’s internal knowledge. It emphasizes how quantum mechanics improves the quality of predictions based on the information the observer has, rather than by describing an objective world that is independent of the observer.
We may now consider whether the Universe as a whole may be considered a quantum system, and we find that indeed it can be. This idea comes from the field of quantum cosmology, which applies quantum mechanics to the entire universe. In this framework, the universe is described by a wave function that encompasses all possible states and histories.
However, this idea of the universe as a quantum system raises a number of profound questions and challenges:
- Quantum superposition: Just like particles, prior to observation or measurement, the universe “exists” in a quantum superposition of every possible configuration of all possible universes. Upon observation, the universal wave function collapses, spawning a universe that evolves deterministically in accordance with mathematics—the Schrödinger Equation or something akin to it.
- Measurement or observation: If the universe is a quantum system, who or what is the observer?
- Initial conditions: Quantum cosmology tries to explain the initial state of the universe, such as the conditions at the Big Bang, using quantum principles. Note that the Big Bang—long an accepted theory about how the universe came into being—has come under some amount of criticism by respected cosmologists and physicists for reasons that are beyond the scope of this missive. In short, no one seems to be sure how “all of this” got started. But as yet there is no generally accepted alternative theory, only modifications of Big Bang, e.g., cosmic inflation.
Nested quantum systems are theoretically possible. In other words, a quantum system can exist embedded within another quantum system. Indeed, a large quantum system may be divided into many smaller subsystems, each of which will exhibit quantum behavior. For example, a molecule as a whole is a quantum system, but each atom within the molecule is another quantum system in its own right.
Furthermore, quantum systems may become entangled, meaning the state of one system is dependent on the state of the other. This can happen at multiple levels—possibly an infinite number—creating nested layers of entanglement within a large quantum system.
In complex quantum systems such as those found in biological organisms or quantum computers, it is possible to have multiple layers of quantum systems interacting with each other. Each layer follows quantum rules, and their interactions lead to complex behaviors which may be analyzed at different scales.
In summary, nested quantum systems illustrate the rich and intricate nature of quantum mechanics, where multiple layers of “reality” may coexist and influence one another.
Now I wish to consider universal quantum wave function collapse, gravity, and time. Some approaches to quantum gravity, such as the Wheeler-Dewitt equation, imply “timelessness” at the fundamental level. According to Wheeler-Dewitt, time as we know and experience it might emerge from a more profound, timeless quantum state. This “quantum-to-classical” transition on a universal scale is an area of active research and debate in theoretical physics.
Combining these ideas, if the universe is a quantum system comprised of other nested and interconnected quantum systems, it is conceivable that the initial “observation” leading to wave function collapse could happen simultaneously across all levels. Further, some theories of quantum cosmology suggest an interdependent, holistic relationship among quantum states within the universe.
Thus, in certain interpretations, the collapse of a wave function could be viewed as non-local. In this view, all entangled or nested parts of the universal quantum system collapse or reach definiteness simultaneously, as they are interdependent and not separable in the classical (space-time) sense.
Some ideas in theoretical physics, such as the holographic principle, suggest that each part of the universe reflects the whole. If the universe’s wave function collapses, this simultaneously informs and defines all subsystems within it, as each part contains information about the whole.
Quantum gravity and theories like Wheeler-Dewitt suggest that, at the most fundamental level, time is an emergent property rather than a fundamental one. If time arises only within the universe, then the “moment” of collapse could transcend our conventional idea of simultaneity, allowing for a kind of “timeless” or eternal collapse that is somehow “always” happening.
Finally, some interpretations propose that the universe “self-observes” through internal interactions, causing simultaneous collapse across all levels of the system. This self-referential observation might lead to a single, consistent state existing in one timeless, all-encompassing event.
This is the end of the summary of current science. Now I wish to share my own conclusions, drawn from the above science and informed by my experiences in meditative and other altered states of Consciousness:
1. The universe is a quantum system.
2. The observer is outside the system and cannot therefore be observed, seen, or understood by the system or any nested system (“person”) within it.
3. There is only a single observer for all quantum systems, and I am That (Aham Brahmasmi).
4. You are the observer of your quantum system, which is your own private universe arising out of you and being withdrawn back into you more or less continuously, creating the twin illusions of time and causality.
5. There is only One observer, and You are That—Tat Tvam Asi; and so am I—Aham Brahmasmi.
4. Each person lives alone in a universe of One.
3. All experience is mere reflection of the Observer. Otherwise the Observer has no way to experience Its own glory, as it perennially shines forth like the rays of the sun. A ray of the sun cannot bend back or turn around and illumine the sun. Only by virtue of being reflected off an object is it possible for the sun to experience its own luminosity.)
2. Human interactions are interactions between independent quantum systems—two or more universes colliding, as it were.
1. Time and causation are emergent—imputations of mind.
Peace
Addendum: A movie I highly recommend is Copenhagen, starring Daniel Craig as Werner Heisenberg and Stephen Rea as Niels Bohr, about their meeting in Copenhagen during the Second World War. It’s a fascinating study on the inner workings of the minds of brilliant men. Francisca Annis is also quite amazing as Bohr’s wife and confidante Magrethe.
Free on YouTube:
Emptiness and Light 
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