Thomas comments on A note on the description complexity of physical theories - Less Wrong

19 Post author: cousin_it 09 November 2010 04:25PM

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Comment author: David_Allen 10 November 2010 04:59:36PM 0 points [-]

There are two problems with this test.

First, the result of a coin flip is almost certainly determined by starting conditions. With enough knowledge of those conditions you could predict the result. Instead you should make a measurement on a quantum system, such as measuring the spin of an electron.

Second the result of this test does not distinguish between QI and not-QI. The probability of being knocked out or left awake is the same in both cases.

I suppose you could be assuming that your consciousness can jump arbitrarily between universes to follow a conscious version of you.... but no that would just be silly.

Comment author: Thomas 10 November 2010 05:42:23PM 0 points [-]

I don't postulate anything, what it is not already postulated in the so called Quantum Suicide mental experiment.

I just apply this on to the sleeping/coma case. Should work the same.

But I don't think it works in either case.

Comment author: David_Allen 10 November 2010 08:07:10PM *  0 points [-]

I don't postulate anything, what it is not already postulated in the so called Quantum Suicide mental experiment.

The test you proposed does not distinguish between QI and not-QI. I don't think that the current formulation of MWI even allows this to be tested.

I just apply this on to the sleeping/coma case. Should work the same.

Not a factor to my argument, both are untestable. You are arguing this point against other others, not me.