Quantum Theory and Human Perception of the Macro-World (1403.4307v3)

Abstract: We investigate the question of 'why customary macroscopic entities appear to us humans as they do, i.e. as bounded entities occupying space and persisting through time', starting from our knowledge of quantum theory, how it affects the behavior of such customary macroscopic entities, and how it influences our perception of them. For this purpose, we approach the question from three perspectives. Firstly, we look at the situation from the standard quantum angle, more specifically the de Broglie wavelength analysis of the behavior of macroscopic entities, indicate how a problem with spin and identity arises, and illustrate how both play a fundamental role in well-established experimental quantum-macroscopical phenomena, such as Bose-Einstein condensates. Secondly, we analyze how the question is influenced by our result in axiomatic quantum theory, which proves that standard quantum theory is structurally incapable of describing separated entities. Thirdly, we put forward our new 'conceptual quantum interpretation', including a highly detailed reformulation of the question to confront the new insights and views that arise with the foregoing analysis. At the end of the final section, a nuanced answer is given that can be summarized as follows. The specific and very classical perception of human seeing -- light as a geometric theory -- and human touching -- only ruled by Pauli's exclusion principle -- plays a role in our perception of macroscopic entities as ontologically stable entities in space. To ascertain quantum behavior in such macroscopic entities, we will need measuring apparatuses capable of its detection. Future experimental research will have to show if sharp quantum effects -- as they occur in smaller entities -- appear to be ontological aspects of customary macroscopic entities.

Overview of "Quantum Theory and Human Perception of the Macro-World"

Diederik Aerts' paper "Quantum Theory and Human Perception of the Macro-World" explores the intersection between quantum theory and human perception of macroscopic entities typically perceived as discrete and stable objects. Traditional quantum theory effectively describes microscopic entities but encounters limitations when applied to larger, separated entities, prompting a proposition for a more generalized theory that accommodates the complexities of the macroscopic field.

Evaluating Macroscopic Behavior from Quantum Perspectives

The paper embarks on an exploration from three distinct angles. Initially, it examines macroscopic entities, highlighting how inconsistencies emerge with spin and identity — foundational to quantum-macroscopical phenomena such as Bose-Einstein condensates. The analysis underscores how these elements are central in experimental observations of quantum behavior penetrating the macroscopic world, challenging classical perceptions.

Secondly, Aerts explains how macroscopic separation defies standard quantum theory, which inadequately models compound entities of separated subentities, emphasizing the necessity for a more comprehensive theoretical framework. The empirical impossibility of standard quantum theory to accurately characterize separately existing entities presents itself as a critical theoretical gap.

Conceptual Quantum Interpretation

The development of a novel interpretation of quantum entities as conceptual facets mediating information brings forth the paper's pivotal notion: quantum particles may not merely be objects but share dynamics akin to cognitive constructs. This conceptual interpretation grants new insights into quantum entities' strange behaviors, suggesting they act as linking agents between matter, functioning analogously to linguistic constructs mediating between human minds.

Bridging Theory and Practice: Implications and Future Directions

By integrating quantum mechanics with theories found in cognitive science, Aerts' work opens pathways for cross-disciplinary applicability, enhancing comprehension of phenomena where quantum mechanics describes cognitive processes, decision-making, and linguistic representations.

Implications in Physics: The conceptual framework proposed implies the potential for expanding quantum theory beyond its current paradigms, incorporating aspects of cognition and perception into its axioms. This could foster advancements in quantum computing and information theory, where understanding quantum systems through cognitive lenses could offer novel computational strategies.

Implications in Cognitive Science: The metaphorical alignment of quantum structures with cognitive processes sheds light on the dynamics of decision-making, concept formation, and the entanglement of ideas within human cognition, laying the groundwork for more robust modeling techniques in cognitive psychology and AI.

Future Speculations: Aerts envisages that continued exploration in this area might solidify the interpretation as not merely novel but essential in explaining quantum mechanics intricacies traditionally seen as enigmas. The practical detection of quantum coherence in biology and room-temperature systems hints at the permeability of quantum effects in everyday life, suggesting broader investigative potential.

This paper provides a meticulously reasoned discourse on the limitations inherent in portraying macroscopic entities using conventional quantum models, advocating for an integrated approach where quantum theory and cognitive science converge. The insightful exploration serves as a springboard for future inquiries into a holistic theory unifying physics and cognition, promising novel interpretations of the quantum domain’s complexities.