Does an observation now create the past?

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In summary, Fred Alan Wolf's book discusses an experiment similar to the double slit experiment where light behaves as a wave when not observed and a particle when observed. This experiment involves light from a distant quasar being bent by the gravity of a galaxy, resulting in two possible paths for the light to reach Earth. The outcome of the experiment is determined by the observer's choice to measure which path the light took or to measure the phase shift. This is known as Wheeler's delayed choice thought experiment. Some interpretations of quantum mechanics explain this phenomenon differently. This conversation does not pertain to philosophy and may be moved by physics mentors.
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StandardsGuy
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Fred Alan Wolf in his book Star Wave - Mind, Consciousness, and Quantum Physics talks about an experiment similar to the double slip experiment where light is a wave when not observed and a particle when it is observed. This one has light coming from a distant quasar with a galaxy between the Earth and it. The gravity of the galaxy (G-1) bends the light in accordance with Einstein's theory of general relativity. In this case there are two paths the light takes to earth, one taking 50,000 years longer to get to earth. The outcome of the experiment is like the double slit one. Whether the light took two paths or one depends on the observers choice to measure which path it took, or to measure the phase shift. He says that the path the photons took 50,000 years ago was instantly decided by the observers choice. ... "We create history now." Do you agree with that interpretation? Do you have another explanation?
 
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What you are describing is Wheeler's delayed choice thought experiment. Here is a description of how different interpretations of quantum mechanics deal with it. And here is an animation of it (rollover the image to see the picture change). I think discussion of quantum experiments and their significance belongs in the Quantum Physics forum.
 
  • #3
This thread certainly doesn't meet the criteria for posting in Philosophy. The op didn't bother to read the rules. It will be up to the physics mentors if they want to move it.
 

Related to Does an observation now create the past?

1. What does it mean for an observation to create the past?

This question refers to the concept of retrocausality, which suggests that an event in the present can influence the outcome of a past event. In this context, the observation is considered the present event that affects the past.

2. Is retrocausality scientifically proven?

No, retrocausality is still a highly debated and controversial topic in the scientific community. While there have been some studies and theories that suggest the possibility of retrocausality, it is not widely accepted as a scientific fact.

3. How does the theory of relativity relate to retrocausality?

The theory of relativity, specifically the principle of causality, states that an effect cannot occur before its cause. This principle contradicts the idea of retrocausality, making it difficult to reconcile the two concepts. However, some theories, such as the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics, try to explain retrocausality within the framework of the theory of relativity.

4. Can an observation in the present really change the past?

While there is no conclusive evidence that an observation can change the past, some experiments in quantum physics have shown strange results that suggest the possibility of retrocausality. However, these results are not yet fully understood and require more research and evidence before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

5. What are the implications of retrocausality on our understanding of time?

If retrocausality is proven to be true, it would challenge our traditional understanding of time as a linear progression. It would also raise questions about the concept of free will and the idea that our actions are determined by past events. However, until more research is done, these implications remain theoretical.

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