Knowledge, as quantum process at the border between science and theology

 A certain being, oscillating between many options from which it can choose, is faced with a quantum process. When it has to make a decision, a being is first in a state of confusion, of undecisiveness. The quantum state of the system is in fact a superposition of states from which a certain option is chosen, for example by free will, which corresponds to the phenomenon of the collapse of the wave function of the state in quantum physics. Similar to the notion of the collapse of the wave function Y of the state of the quantum physical system, in the case of a quantum system that has consciousness there are concepts such as free will to choose [D'Ariano G. M., Faggin F. (2021)]. In this sense, the two concepts- consciousness and free will, should also be postulated, because they cannot be explained by the theories of quantum physics, which is also confirmed by R. Penrose when he says that the theory of quantum physics, built on postulates, is not complete. Postulates are necessary in quantum physics, as is faith in theology (first, faith, then everything comes by itself). Both concepts, consciousness and free will, represent the transition from probabilistic anticipation to observed reality.

In physical systems, the collapse of the wave function of the state is a physical process and occurs especially when the superposition of states is large enough. The wave function needs to collapse in order for the state of the system to become perceptible, even visible, compared to the superposition of states that cannot be seen. The superposition of states is the assumed model of what it would be like before perceiving the visible state that we call the result of the collapse of the wave function Y. According to R. Penrose, neither the observation made by consciousness (conscience observation) nor the simple measurement determines the collapse of the wave function. The quantum system is real and continues to exist independently of us, only our knowledge of it depends on measurement and observation. In addition to the two variants of revealing the state of the system, we could also use others, such as illumination and revelation. Some ways of passing from a quantum level of reality to a deterministic one could be:

·        Quantum collapse: specific to the state of systems in physical reality.

·        Free will: choosing one option from a portfolio of options.

·        Enlightenment: clarifying the state of the system as a result of persistent focus on it, even by changing one's way of thinking.

·        Revelation: revealing, unveiling, [re]discovering the truth, especially through divine grace.

 Recently, an idea that emerged in 1984, according to which not only the quantum state of the system is a superposition of states, but also the observer is in a superposition of states, has been revived and intensively studied, thus giving rise to the concept of the quantum nature of reference frame [Anil Ananthaswamy (2024)]. Consequently, new directions are opened for approaching the levels of quantum reality, relating to superposition (an object can be simultaneously in several possible states), entanglement (distinct particles compose a certain quantum state, such that measuring one instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them), etc. The complexity of the problem of quantum state collapse is also given by the location of the observers (space), the moments when the observers make measurements (time), the dynamics of the state of each observer in relation to himself, as well as compared to the others, perseverance through faith in following the path to the final goal (John 14.6).

 

Bibliography

1.      D'Ariano Giacomo Mauro, Faggin Federico (2021) Hard Problem and Free Will: an information-theoretical approach.

2.      Anil Ananthaswamy (2024) In the Quantum World, Even Points of View Are Uncertain, Quanta Magazine, 22 Nov.