von Neumann/Wigner interpretation: consciousness causes the collapse
In his treatise The Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, John von Neumann deeply analyzed the so-called measurement problem. He concluded that the entire physical universe could be made subject to the Schrödinger equation (the universal wave function). Since something "outside the calculation" was needed to collapse the wave function, von Neumann concluded that the collapse was caused by the consciousness of the experimenter.[22] This point of view was prominently expanded on by Eugene Wigner, but he later abandoned this interpretation.[23][24] Variations of the von Neumann interpretation include:
Subjective reduction research
This principle, that consciousness causes the collapse, is the point of intersection between quantum mechanics and the mind/body problem; and researchers are working to detect conscious events correlated with physical events that, according to quantum theory, should involve a wave function collapse; but, thus far, results are inconclusive.[25][26]
Participatory anthropic principle (PAP)
John Archibald Wheeler's participatory anthropic principle says that consciousness plays some role in bringing the universe into existence.[27]
Other physicists have elaborated their own variations of the von Neumann interpretation; including:
Henry P. Stapp (Mindful Universe: Quantum Mechanics and the Participating Observer)
Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner (Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness)
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