Quantum Theory of What? What does quantum theory describe?

What is an object? An object is a concept. A concept is a result of separating and naming. Thus, an object is always separate from some other object, both of which have names. Examples: This thought, that pain, a table, a human body, a black hole, a unicorn.

Definition of objective reality An object is said to exist objectively if two or more observers… …agree on the definition of the object… …agree on their observations of the object… …and agree that the object exists whether or not it is being observed. If so, the object is said to be objectively real by those who agree (e.g., a human body, a table, a black hole, a unicorn). For those who disagree, it doesn’t exist! This is existence by agreement.

In classical physics, objects exist by wide-spread agreement Classical physics describes macroscopic objects that can be perceived with the human senses. Classical objects are assumed to have precise positions and velocities. A classical object is assumed to exist whether or not it is being observed if two or more observers agree that it exists. For those who disagree, it doesn’t exist!

But, what does quantum theory describe? That is the big question! Quantum objects do not have precise positions and velocities. Quantum theory predicts the probabilities of measuring specific positions or velocities in specific measurements on specific quantum objects (e.g., “atoms” observed with a scanning tunneling microscope, see next slide).

Example: Measurements of iron “atom” position probabilities surrounding “electron” position probabilities

In both classical and quantum physics, an interpretation is needed We do not actually perceive a classical object. We perceive only sensations. It is the mind that constructs an object from the sensations. Different minds may construct different objects. However, in classical physics there is wide-spread agreement on the definition of a classical object, and… …if two or more observers agree on its existence, it exists for those observers.

But what is a quantum object? Is it objectively real—i.e., does it exist whether or not it is being observed (ontological existence)? Does it exist only as a belief (epistemological existence)? Or does it exist only as the mathematical prediction of the probability of obtaining a specific result in a specific observation (mathematical existence)?

Contrary to classical physics, there is no agreement among quantum physicists on what a quantum object is! There is no wide-spread agreement on the definition of a quantum object. There is no wide-spread agreement on the existence of a quantum object. No agreement, no existence!

Question: How does consciousness fit into all of this? Consciousness, as pure nonphysical awareness, is assumed in one interpretation. Consciousness as an emergent property of matter is assumed in other interpretations (but matter-based consciousness has no creative power!). Consciousness is not assumed at all in the remaining interpretations (but how could there then be observations?).

A problem! In quantum theory, objective time and space form a fixed background (as context) in which everything happens. In general relativity (gravity theory), objective time, space, matter, and energy depend on each other and evolve in time together (as content). How to unify such disparate theories into a quantum theory of gravity? One possibility: Eliminate objective time and space!

What if Reality were spaceless and timeless? Space is the concept of size and location. Time is the concept of duration. If there is no space, there is no size or location. If there is no time, there is no duration. What does this remind us of? Nirvana, pure Awareness, satori, enlightenment!