Should We Fear Quantum Torment?


Συγγραφέας: Istvan Aranyosi


Istvan Aranyosi: Should We Fear Quantum Torment? (pdf, 61K)
The prospect, in terms of subjective expectations, of immortality under the nocollapse interpretation of quantum mechanics is certain, as pointed out by several authors, both physicists and, more recently, philosophers. The argument, known as quantum suicide, or quantum immortality, has received some critical discussion, but there hasn't been any questioning of David Lewis’s point that there is a terrifying corollary to the argument, namely, that we should expect to live forever in a crippled, more and more damaged state, that barely sustains life. This is the prospect of eternal quantum torment. Based on some empirical facts I argue for a conclusion that is much more reassuring than Lewis's terrible...