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If We Have Free Will, Then So Do Electrons

Posted by kdawson on 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.

8 of 610 comments (clear)

  1. I knew it! by SirGarlon · · 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.
  2. If particles have free will by Shikaku · · 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.

  3. So what you're saying is... by boshhead · · Score: 5, Funny

    So what you're saying is that everything I've screwed up on has really been my fault?

  4. Hear that 'whirring' sound? by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's John Calvin.

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

    Someone was sure to arrive at this conclusion.

  6. Re:Yawn. by TapeCutter · · 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?

    --
    And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
  7. Re:That's rich. by Samrobb · · 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
  8. Re:I choose... by profplump · · 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?