Quantum Puzzles

I've been thinking about a possible way to interpret/resolve the observer problem in quantum theory. It’s kind of like the old riddle about whether if a tree falls in a forest with no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?

The answer depends somewhat on the definition of “sound”, the requisite physical events are present, but if no perceptive system is there to “hear”, then does “sound” per se occur?

The quantum observer problem presents a similar paradox: Without an observer the quantum field exists in superposition of all possible states. The act of observation -- sensing -- collapses the quantum field into what we call perceived material reality.

If a tree falls in a forest with no one there to observe it, does the tree even exist to fall? Or the forest for it to exist within? Does even the notion of "falling" have meaning?

Classical physics (and our perceptive and reasoning systems) would have it that the existence of objects is independent of their being observed. That's a hard mental habit to overcome, it's actually foundational to many psychological theories of development and intelligence ("object constancy").

But our best science appears to be pointing towards a "reality" where it's precisely the case that what is unobserved is undefined at the quantum level and so is, in a sense, non-existent (or, more precisely, exists as the superimposed set of probability states or potentialities).

It remains somewhat of an open question in this context just what constitutes "observation", and just who or what constitutes "an observer"; but it seems fairly clear that mere electro-mechanical instrumentation alone is inadequate, it simply becomes an additional layer in the set of quantum uncertainties.

Consciousness appears to be the qualitative difference that forces the collapse of the wave function into perceptible reality.

The act of observation collapses the wave function, so we can never get to experience full superposition (I think).

I'm reminded of the Behinder/Hidebehind, a creature from American folklore/legend that no one has ever seen because it always stays behind the person. Or the prank to play on children to have them turn around fast enough to see their own backs.

I am beginning to believe we can practice leaving things partially indeterminate, which has led to some very delightful encounters for me.

I call this "surfing the quantum wave", it's basically just the psycho-spiritual practice of not knowing what happens next; at any moment the possibilities are wide open. That is not an easy mindset for us as materially embedded consciousnesses to maintain.