The Observer Effect (Quantum Mechanics and Mysticism)

I am familiar with the 'Observer Effect' phenomenon, having studied Quantum Physics in one semester, but am now studying it in greater detail. Am studying it from the mystical point of view now.

It is not just Quantum Physicists who say what is expressed in the following writeup.

Descartes is a person who might have had ideas that are in tune with the "Observer Effect". (Need to confirm this.)

Will make another blog entry on this subject soon.

The following (quoted text) is written by Alex Paterson, and is from the page OBSERVER EFFECT.


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THE OBSERVER EFFECT
Fundamental to contemporary Quantum Theory is the notion that there is no phenomenon until it is observed. This effect is known as the 'Observer Effect'.

The implications of the 'Observer Effect' are profound because, if true, it means that before anything can manifest in the physical universe it must first be observed. Presumably observation cannot occur without the pre-existence of some sort of consciousness to do the observing. The Observer Effect clearly implies that the physical Universe is the direct result of 'consciousness'.

This notion has a striking resemblance to perennial esoteric theory which asserts that all phenomena are the result of the consciousness of a single overlighting Creative Principle or the Mind of God.

There is a delicious irony in all this. Contemporary Western scientific theory postulates that human consciousness is solely a result of the workings of a physical brain, yet if the observer effect is correct, the physical matter comprising a brain cannot come into existence until it is the subject of observation by some pre-existing consciousness.

NOTE: For an excellent introduction to Quantum Physics in laymen's terms see:

1. 'A World with a View' by Ross Rhodes.

2. 'A Cybernetic Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics' by Ross Rhodes.


FOOTNOTES:

1. The still-dominant "Copenhagen interpretation" of Quantum Theory developed by Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Wolfgang Pauli, and others says two basic things:

a.) Reality is identical with the totality of observed phenomena (which means reality does not exist in the absence of observation), and

b.) Quantum mechanics is a complete description of reality; no deeper understanding is possible.

In effect, this says that observable phenomena are the whole of reality; and any speculation about a deeper underlying reality is meaningless. Bohr stated it unequivocally: "There is no quantum world. There is only an abstract quantum description" (in Herbert 1985, 17).

(SOURCE: David Bohm by Will Keepin.)

Copyright © Alex Paterson 1999

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Furthur Reading:

"Reality Versus Imagination" by Advaita Vedanta Scholar Remez Sasson.

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