EthanT
Member
The theory of Shannon Information contends that the amount of information contained within some sequence of symbols, choices (or, whatever) is proportional to the improbability of the sequence. The more choices within the sequence, the more information it contains. Hold that thought.
Let's consider deterministic classical physics first. Each step of a deterministic sequence of events contains next to no information, because each step of the trajectory is determined to happen, meaning the probability all along the path for each outcome is 1. Given initial conditions at some earlier time, some particular event must happen at a later time, as predicted by the laws of classical physics.
Quantum Physics is different. Quantum particles do not have solidly defined historical trajectories. Given initial conditions of the wave function at some earlier time, there are various possibilities at a later time, given by the probabilistic predictions of quantum mechanics. This is the reason that wave functions live in an infinite dimensional abstract vector space called Hilbert Space. The infinite dimensions are required to represent all the information carried by the wave function. The "choices" allowed are represented in the projection of the state vector (i.e. wave function) into a particular basis of the Hilbert Space. Of course, some particular "choices" (like spin) only have a finite set of outcomes to "choose" from. Even the infinite sets (i.e. like position) are constrained to some extent by the probabilities assigned to each "choice". Anyhow, point being, quantum particles carry more information than classical particles, because they have more "choices", or potential outcomes. No surprise here when it comes to quantum computers, qubits have more "choices" than classical bits.
Now, if free will is truly a property of consciousness that allows an infinite set of choices (without quotes this time!!) than wouldn't free will represent a state of infinite information? And, if the brain mostly acts like a filter, restricting consciousness awareness (of potential choices between states of being), it is also acts as filter of information, preventing us from being overloaded with information.
I've also argued that we only have free will to the extent that we are conscious of what motivates us to action, as stated by Rudolph Steiner. For example, a heroin addict might like to have more choices, but they are slave to the drug and make the same veritably fixed choice over and over again. This isn't all that unlike a quantum particle. Yeah, it might fizzle and appear on Mars, but it's pretty darn unlikely, just like a Heroin addict is unlikely to choose not to go after the next fix. But, the great thing about consciousness is that we can overcome our constraints via say spiritual discipline giving us a vast array of endless choices (unlike an electron which will only be able to choose between spin up and spin down). We can choose to be sad, or happy, or unbound by emotions altogether.
So, perhaps this is also why psi happens typically in more developed minds after years of spiritual discipline and practice as told within Yogic Lore. As we develop our minds and gain greater and greater free will, we expand our consciousness beyond brain-based, filtered thinking and we open up access to an infinite array of information out in the cosmos.
Anyhow, my wacky thought for the day. I know there are a lot of holes in this line of thought, but I do think consciousness is somehow tied to information. Psychic ability would definitely represent an access to information we don't normally have.
What do you all think?
Let's consider deterministic classical physics first. Each step of a deterministic sequence of events contains next to no information, because each step of the trajectory is determined to happen, meaning the probability all along the path for each outcome is 1. Given initial conditions at some earlier time, some particular event must happen at a later time, as predicted by the laws of classical physics.
Quantum Physics is different. Quantum particles do not have solidly defined historical trajectories. Given initial conditions of the wave function at some earlier time, there are various possibilities at a later time, given by the probabilistic predictions of quantum mechanics. This is the reason that wave functions live in an infinite dimensional abstract vector space called Hilbert Space. The infinite dimensions are required to represent all the information carried by the wave function. The "choices" allowed are represented in the projection of the state vector (i.e. wave function) into a particular basis of the Hilbert Space. Of course, some particular "choices" (like spin) only have a finite set of outcomes to "choose" from. Even the infinite sets (i.e. like position) are constrained to some extent by the probabilities assigned to each "choice". Anyhow, point being, quantum particles carry more information than classical particles, because they have more "choices", or potential outcomes. No surprise here when it comes to quantum computers, qubits have more "choices" than classical bits.
Now, if free will is truly a property of consciousness that allows an infinite set of choices (without quotes this time!!) than wouldn't free will represent a state of infinite information? And, if the brain mostly acts like a filter, restricting consciousness awareness (of potential choices between states of being), it is also acts as filter of information, preventing us from being overloaded with information.
I've also argued that we only have free will to the extent that we are conscious of what motivates us to action, as stated by Rudolph Steiner. For example, a heroin addict might like to have more choices, but they are slave to the drug and make the same veritably fixed choice over and over again. This isn't all that unlike a quantum particle. Yeah, it might fizzle and appear on Mars, but it's pretty darn unlikely, just like a Heroin addict is unlikely to choose not to go after the next fix. But, the great thing about consciousness is that we can overcome our constraints via say spiritual discipline giving us a vast array of endless choices (unlike an electron which will only be able to choose between spin up and spin down). We can choose to be sad, or happy, or unbound by emotions altogether.
So, perhaps this is also why psi happens typically in more developed minds after years of spiritual discipline and practice as told within Yogic Lore. As we develop our minds and gain greater and greater free will, we expand our consciousness beyond brain-based, filtered thinking and we open up access to an infinite array of information out in the cosmos.
Anyhow, my wacky thought for the day. I know there are a lot of holes in this line of thought, but I do think consciousness is somehow tied to information. Psychic ability would definitely represent an access to information we don't normally have.
What do you all think?
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