What does it mean to be an observer? Many problems in physics and cosmology include the involvement of observers, but without defining what an objective observer is and how subjectivity is avoided. The Foundational Questions Institute (FQXi) is awarding a total of $2 million for research projects examining this issue in an ambitious new program,“Physics of the Observer,” supported by the John Templeton Foundation.
One of the best known examples of the oddities of quantum physics is the so-called Schrödinger’s Cat. The cat is deemed to be neither dead nor alive, but rather existing in a so-called quantum superposition of both states; that is, the cat is simultaneously dead and alive. Such superpositions do not exist at the macro level of everyday experiences but do exist at the micro level of quantum reality. The puzzle is how the two relate.
Recently, scientists and other thinkers gathered to discuss randomness at a conference in Barcelona, titled “Randomness in Quantum Physics and Beyond.” Organized by the Institute of Photonic Sciences and supported by the John Templeton Foundation, the conference encouraged participants to consider and discuss randomness with the goal of establishing bridges and commonalities between disciplines.