Schrödinger was basically ripping off Protagoras of Abdera – “Man is the measure of all things” (πάντων χρημάτων ἄνθρωπον μέτρον εἶναι). Which is to say a room is neither hot nor cold until someone comes in and says, “This room is too hot,” a second comes in and says, “This room is too cold.” And the husband and wife then fight for hours.
People! It’s not a paradox, it’s not a philosophy, it’s not a “Frame Of Reference”. This is how Quantum Math works. All possible quantum state fields exist simultaneously until an observation causes the quantum states to collapse into the observed reality.
Schrödinger was trying to show how silly was this new-fangled “Quantum Mechanico-whosis” (invented with HIS math, BTW). And, the response was “Yes! that’s exactly right! You understand it!”
I used Pixel as my Cat in this experiment, and when the box was opened, NO Cat. What we found was that Pixel can walk through walls. I don’t think Pixel understands quantum physics or physics at all. So he just walked out.
You do not actually have to open the box to observe what’s inside. A sufficiently sensitive microphone would let you know. It would pick up breathing sounds or heart beat or gastric sounds. That’s another way of observing.
It’s a silly thought experiment — the cat knows whether it’s alive or dead, and that’s enough to prevent it from being simply a cloud of possibilities.
Is this a tribute to Bullwinkle J. Moose? “Hey, Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat!” “Again?” “This time for sure! Presto!” “RAAAARGH!” “Guess I don’t know my own strength!”
FreihEitner Premium Member 12 months ago
What? No spleen-based exclamation?
Bilan 12 months ago
So Nietzsche’s cat is alive AND Schrodinger’s cat is dead. How do you explain that with quantum physics?
jasonsnakelover 12 months ago
And Nietzsche’s cat wasn’t declawed much to the dismay of the ensign.
Algolei I 12 months ago
“Beware in the presence of cats: they never give, they do not even retaliate — they only reply, and purr in doing so.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
Doug K 12 months ago
Real cats do not think highly of Schrödinger or his thoughts.
Say What Now‽ Premium Member 12 months ago
Winky’s spleen will be stronger.
Alabama Al 12 months ago
The Schrödinger’s cat paradox isn’t so tough. Just wait a week – without having to open the box, all ambiguity will be resolved.
The Reader Premium Member 12 months ago
One cat (and Winky) were harmed in the making of today’s cartoon.
Gent 12 months ago
Eh he look like Catfield. Just give him lasagna and he happily leave you alone.
kantuck-nadie 12 months ago
Paradox; Nietzsche’s cat alive, Winky shredded
sparky1000 12 months ago
Until it was opened, Heisenberg wasn’t at all certain there would actually be a cat in the box.
LawrenceS 12 months ago
Schrödinger was basically ripping off Protagoras of Abdera – “Man is the measure of all things” (πάντων χρημάτων ἄνθρωπον μέτρον εἶναι). Which is to say a room is neither hot nor cold until someone comes in and says, “This room is too hot,” a second comes in and says, “This room is too cold.” And the husband and wife then fight for hours.
WaitingMan 12 months ago
Philosophy comes alive. Much to Binky’s regret.
[Traveler] Premium Member 12 months ago
The cat is either alive or dead regardless of the whether the box is open or closed. What you believe about it has no bearing on its condition.
Greyhame 12 months ago
People! It’s not a paradox, it’s not a philosophy, it’s not a “Frame Of Reference”. This is how Quantum Math works. All possible quantum state fields exist simultaneously until an observation causes the quantum states to collapse into the observed reality.
Schrödinger was trying to show how silly was this new-fangled “Quantum Mechanico-whosis” (invented with HIS math, BTW). And, the response was “Yes! that’s exactly right! You understand it!”
Serial Pedant 12 months ago
One less cat. There.
trainnut1956 12 months ago
Cats are ALWAYS indeterminate. Never there when you need them, always there when there is tuna.
gantech 12 months ago
What about the radioactive vial and the poison? Dr. Mel didn’t mention those. Maybe they both exist and don’t exist??
Chithing Premium Member 12 months ago
Imagine how strong it would be if they almost killed it.
cuzinron47 12 months ago
I’m glad someone finally explained that to me, I think.
blakerl 12 months ago
I used Pixel as my Cat in this experiment, and when the box was opened, NO Cat. What we found was that Pixel can walk through walls. I don’t think Pixel understands quantum physics or physics at all. So he just walked out.
The Orange Mailman 12 months ago
Where would Dr. Mel’s prestige and knowledge be without his faithful assistant?
eb110americana 12 months ago
Well, Winky’s dead for sure. That much we know. At least until the next comic.
s.gottlieb 12 months ago
Still better than Ayn Rand’s cat!
Stephen Gilberg 12 months ago
I’ve seen it summarized sometimes as neither alive nor dead and sometimes as both. I’d sooner accept the former, because the cat better not be undead.
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault 12 months ago
You do not actually have to open the box to observe what’s inside. A sufficiently sensitive microphone would let you know. It would pick up breathing sounds or heart beat or gastric sounds. That’s another way of observing.
Ed The Red Premium Member 12 months ago
It’s a silly thought experiment — the cat knows whether it’s alive or dead, and that’s enough to prevent it from being simply a cloud of possibilities.
deepgoatjr 12 months ago
when i quoted Nietzche to my wife she said, “nietzche nietzche, well something killed him”
Ray*C 12 months ago
From the nurse: “About your cat, Mr. Schrodinger, I have good news and bad news.”
Ermine Notyours 12 months ago
If a kid who grows up in a military family is an army brat, does that make a kid who grows up in a scientific setting a lab brat?
DaBump Premium Member 12 months ago
Is this a tribute to Bullwinkle J. Moose? “Hey, Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat!” “Again?” “This time for sure! Presto!” “RAAAARGH!” “Guess I don’t know my own strength!”
R.U. Kidding 12 months ago
I think Dr. Mel got this wrong. He said the cat is “neither alive nor dead,” but my limited understanding is that it is BOTH alive AND dead.
Frer Squirrel 12 months ago
The cat is a 2-state system. Therefore the cat must be a furr-meown (fermion).