[extropy-chat] Is Many Worlds testable?

[John K Clark]

Russell Wallace Wrote:

> we already have proof consciousness does not cause collapse of the wave
> function. If you record which slit the particle went through, then destroy
> the record without ever looking at it, the interference pattern still goes
> away.

Have you ever tried this? If you really destroy the record you will get a
surprise. Place a polarizing filter set at 0 degrees over one slit, and one
set at 90 degrees over the other, the interference pattern disappears
because there is now, in effect,  a record of what photon went through what
slit. Now place a third filter set at 45 degrees one inch in front of the
film and 10 light years from the slits. The interference pattern comes
back because the record is now destroyed, even though you didn't decide
to put the filter in front of the film until 10 years after the photons
passed the slits! Quantum Mechanics may or may not be a good idea
but one thing is certain, it's the law.

   John K Clark     jonkc at att.net