Quantum Theory and the Supernatural

[blowero]

*Originally posted by Capt. Caustic *
It seems to me that these possibilities are all the more plausible given post-classical discoveries in physics. No, you can’t assume that quantum observations explain psychic phenomenon, but when you see spooky-action-at-a-distance in the lab, it should make you a bit less dismissive of claims of something like it in the real world.

I don’t think it’s “dismissive” to withhold judgment on claims such as psychic ability that are completely unsubstantiated. There is virtually NO experimental evidence for psychic power, and the ones making the claims are for the most part charlatans and/or nut-cases. Sorry, but I don’t trust Miss Cleo as far as I can throw her. If we ever get any objective evidence, I will certainly consider it. I’m not saying there’s an inherent reason why psychic links can’t exist, just that there’s no evidence that they do. And arguing that quantum-level oddities have any bearing on it is tantamount to arguing that since my dinner table is composed of atoms with a lot of space in-between, that my dishes are going to fall through it.

[Capt.Caustic]

*Originally posted by Urban Ranger *
**<em>“It takes a “don’t ask – don’t tell” approach to the formalism which focuses exclusively on the outcomes of physical measurements and which forbids the practitioner from asking questions about possible underlying mechanisms that produce the observed effects.”</em>

This isn’t quite true. It rejects any attempts to bring in philosophical connotations to Quantum Physics, which makes sense. **

I don’t know which interpretation is correct, but the Transactional Interpretation and the Many Worlds view are more fun.