If We Have Free Will, Then So Do Electrons

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If We Have Free Will, Then So Do Electrons

Posted by kdawson on Friday March 20, 2009 @12:48AM from the hard-to-pin-down dept.

snahgle writes "Mathematicians John Conway (inventor of the Game of Life) and Simon Kochen of Princeton University have proven that if human experimenters demonstrate 'free will' in choosing what measurements to take on a particle, then the axioms of quantum mechanics require that the free will property be available to the particles measured, or to the universe as a whole. Conway is giving a series of lectures on the 'Free Will Theorem' and its ramifications over the next month at Princeton. A followup article strengthening the theory (PDF) was published last month in Notices of the AMS." Update: 03/19 14:20 GMT by KD : jamie points out that we discussed this theorem last year, before the paper had been published.

15 of 610 comments (clear)

I knew it! by SirGarlon · 2009-03-20 00:49 · Score: 5, Funny

The universe really IS out to get me!

--
[Sir Garlon] is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible.
1. Re:I knew it! by Sponge+Bath · 2009-03-20 01:41 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  ...our mind is a self referencing MATHEMATICAL MODEL of the universe
  Hey! Don't bogart that thing, pass it around.
If particles have free will by Shikaku · 2009-03-20 00:50 · Score: 4, Funny

Then that means that they can impose their will on other particles. In short, one will will the will of particles to impose your will to will other particles in your will to your will.
So what you're saying is... by boshhead · 2009-03-20 00:51 · Score: 5, Funny

So what you're saying is that everything I've screwed up on has really been my fault?
1. Re:So what you're saying is... by JustOK · 2009-03-20 00:55 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Yes sir, President Bush.
  
  --
  rewriting history since 2109
2. Re:So what you're saying is... by Tritoch · 2009-03-20 01:45 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Yes sir, Adam. And say "hi" to that freewheeling Eve for me, she always looks sooooo good in her drawings...
Hear that 'whirring' sound? by $RANDOMLUSER · 2009-03-20 00:57 · Score: 5, Funny

It's John Calvin.

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No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
Inevitable by Digitus1337 · 2009-03-20 01:01 · Score: 4, Funny

Someone was sure to arrive at this conclusion.
Obligatory by rehtonAesoohC · 2009-03-20 01:03 · Score: 3, Funny

They changed the outcome by measuring it!
Re:Yawn. by TapeCutter · 2009-03-20 01:05 · Score: 4, Funny

Speaking of Adams, a quote from TFA: "Conway is set on explaining to the University community and the public over six weeks the tenets of their 'Free Will Theorem'." 6 x 7days = 42, spooky huh?

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And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
I thought Rush already said this years ago by Dachannien · 2009-03-20 01:14 · Score: 3, Funny

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!
Re:That's rich. by Samrobb · 2009-03-20 01:25 · Score: 5, Funny

Seriously, this whole free will debate is pointless.
Of course, you couldn't help but say that.

--
"Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgement." Job 32:9
Re:Can we have the old Slashdot back? by rixster_uk · 2009-03-20 01:53 · Score: 3, Funny

So glad other people are noticing it too .. ... Something to do with this http://www.google.com/trends?q=slashdot.org perhaps ? Guess it's the beginning of the end then. Slashdot is dying, and google trends confirms it.
Re:Mathematicians should not make pronouncements by Eli+Gottlieb · 2009-03-20 06:34 · Score: 3, Funny

Hey, Muad'dib, what's going on? How's the Jihad going?
Re:I choose... by profplump · 2009-03-20 06:51 · Score: 5, Funny

My computer knows when it's on, when it's sleeping, and when it's about to turn off. Does it have free will too?