Sorry, not quite correct. In the Schrodingher’s cat thought experiment the decider in not just random. It is determined by the result of the collapse of a quantum probability field. In theory before the collapse the cat also exists in a superposition state - neither dead or alive…
as opposed to a Quantas theory, which is that if you are flying coach to Australia, you will invariably be assigned a seat next to someone who snores, or has a crying baby…
I never liked the idea of using a cat in this thought experiment. Why don’t they put a theoretical physicist in the box? Most of them are neither dead nor alive anyway.
The window for me being able to quantitatively understand any of this slammed shut when I hit puberty. Qualitatively however—HEY! when did Garfield get so gray! what year is this? did I @#%&*! Quantum leap again?!…
Whether the lasagna were either hot or frozen when put into the microwave, opening the door would bias the measured temperature towards room temperature (unless eaten at the speed of light).
The best joke on this I’ve seen was from Terry Pratchett’s Diskworld series. Someone was trying to explain this experiment to the spirit of Death and Death kept misunderstanding and getting insulted. “Why would I do such a thing? I like cats! I don’t think it’s right that you think I’d harm a cat.” And so on. If you havent read Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music or Hogfather you need to. Run out right now and get them all. You’ll thank me.
Baslim,
There were my favorites for a long time. Now Sam Vimes is my favorite (he’s supposed to be my avatar). He came out way ahead after Night Watch and Thud. Night Watch has to be the best Disc book, ever.
I have read them all, numerous times. And each time they make me laugh, cry, shout and weep. We read them all to our kids, when they were little. And now the kids love to read because of them. Heinlein is the only other author to make as deep an impact on my life.
clearskies000 over 14 years ago
Sorry, not quite correct. In the Schrodingher’s cat thought experiment the decider in not just random. It is determined by the result of the collapse of a quantum probability field. In theory before the collapse the cat also exists in a superposition state - neither dead or alive…
Digital Frog over 14 years ago
as opposed to a Quantas theory, which is that if you are flying coach to Australia, you will invariably be assigned a seat next to someone who snores, or has a crying baby…
luckylouie over 14 years ago
I never liked the idea of using a cat in this thought experiment. Why don’t they put a theoretical physicist in the box? Most of them are neither dead nor alive anyway.
zero over 14 years ago
The window for me being able to quantitatively understand any of this slammed shut when I hit puberty. Qualitatively however—HEY! when did Garfield get so gray! what year is this? did I @#%&*! Quantum leap again?!…
Hugh B. Hayve over 14 years ago
MMMM…..lasagna!
mamarose127 Premium Member over 14 years ago
Meh.
fogey over 14 years ago
Whether the lasagna were either hot or frozen when put into the microwave, opening the door would bias the measured temperature towards room temperature (unless eaten at the speed of light).
The Old Wolf over 14 years ago
Does the Qantas theory apply when one uses the variable Delta?
GJ_Jehosaphat over 14 years ago
What the Quark? Must have been a dog lover to imagine a cat in the oven.
Digital Frog over 14 years ago
The Old Wolf - I think you’re referring to the United Field Theory…
Durak Premium Member over 14 years ago
The best joke on this I’ve seen was from Terry Pratchett’s Diskworld series. Someone was trying to explain this experiment to the spirit of Death and Death kept misunderstanding and getting insulted. “Why would I do such a thing? I like cats! I don’t think it’s right that you think I’d harm a cat.” And so on. If you havent read Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music or Hogfather you need to. Run out right now and get them all. You’ll thank me.
Durak Premium Member over 14 years ago
Baslim, There were my favorites for a long time. Now Sam Vimes is my favorite (he’s supposed to be my avatar). He came out way ahead after Night Watch and Thud. Night Watch has to be the best Disc book, ever.
I have read them all, numerous times. And each time they make me laugh, cry, shout and weep. We read them all to our kids, when they were little. And now the kids love to read because of them. Heinlein is the only other author to make as deep an impact on my life.
Pab Sungenis creator over 14 years ago
Just finished the back cover design for the new book, by the way: http://bit.ly/5gpFS
You can still pre-order it, too!: http://bit.ly/17lhCW
ChiehHsia over 14 years ago
Schroedinger’s experiment works equally well with people who quibble about details of quantum theory as parodied in online comics. Just saying.