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What is it like to be Wigner’s friend?

What is it like to be Wigner’s friend?

Seeing | Quantum Physics

Laser,Beams,In,The,Laboratory,Of,Optical,Physics

The Nobel Prize in physics in 2022 went to scientists who, for over 40 years, have carried out a series of experiments indicating that, contrary to materialist expectations, physical entities do not have standalone existence but are, in fact, products of observation. This result is extraordinarily relevant to our understanding of the nature of reality, and so Essentia Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Vienna, of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (home to Prof. Anton Zeilinger, one of 2022’s Nobel Laureates in physics), organized a conference discussing the implications of this result. The conference was hosted by IQOQI-Vienna’s Dr. Markus Müller and featured seven other speakers.

In this fascinating presentation, Prof. Caslav Brukner, PhD, also from the IQOQI-Vienna, discusses what it may be like to be Wigner’s friend, the famous character of an important thought experiment in foundations of quantum entanglement.

Remember that, because of how YouTube works, to watch the video embedded below you must choose our ‘platinum’ privacy option (click on the fingerprint on the lower left to choose). Otherwise, you can always watch the video directly on YouTube.

Experimental metaphysics with first-person perspectives

Experimental metaphysics with first-person perspectives

Seeing | Quantum physics

Eric Cavalcanti, PhD | 2023-01-22

First person view to resting hiking legs,resting during hike. High rocks, clear sky and sun,

The Nobel Prize in physics in 2022 went to scientists who, for over 40 years, have carried out a series of experiments indicating that, contrary to materialist expectations, physical entities do not have standalone existence but are, in fact, products of observation. This result is extraordinarily relevant to our understanding of the nature of reality, and so Essentia Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Vienna, of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (home to Prof. Anton Zeilinger, one of 2022’s Nobel Laureates in physics), organized a conference discussing the implications of this result. The conference was hosted by IQOQI-Vienna’s Dr. Markus Müller and featured seven other speakers.

In this presentation, Dr. Eric Cavalcanti, from Griffith University Center for Quantum Dynamics, discusses experimental metaphysics with first-person perspectives.

Remember that, because of how YouTube works, to watch the video embedded below you must choose our ‘platinum’ privacy option (click on the fingerprint on the lower left to choose). Otherwise, you can always watch the video directly on YouTube.

An introduction to the physics of first-person perspective

An introduction to the physics of first-person perspective

Seeing | Foundations of physics

Markus Müller, PhD | 2023-01-15

Quantum,Entanglement,Concept,With,Particles,And,Energy,Flow,,Entangled,Particles

The Nobel Prize in physics in 2022 went to scientists who, for over 40 years, have carried out a series of experiments indicating that, contrary to materialist expectations, physical entities do not have standalone existence but are, in fact, products of observation. This result is extraordinarily relevant to our understanding of the nature of reality, and so Essentia Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Vienna, of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (home to Prof. Anton Zeilinger, one of 2022’s Nobel Laureates in physics), organized a conference discussing the implications of this result. The conference was hosted by IQOQI-Vienna’s Dr. Markus Müller and featured seven other speakers. In this first video, Dr. Müller introduces the theme of the conference and explains its relevance.

Remember that, because of how YouTube works, to watch the video embedded below you must choose our ‘platinum’ privacy option (click on the fingerprint on the lower left to choose). Otherwise, you can always watch the video directly on YouTube.

Consciousness beyond brain function, with neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander

Consciousness beyond brain function, with neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander

Seeing | Neuroscience | 2022-12-25

Concept of memory loss and dementia disease and losing brain function memories as an alzheimers health symbol of neurology and mental problems with 3D illustration elements.

On this Christmas day, when many of us think of departed loved ones, we have a holiday special for you: A frank conversation with neurosurgeon and near-death experiencer Dr. Eben Alexander, on the survival of consciousness beyond brain function. Buckle up, for this is an amazing journey (quite literally) where scientific reasoning and direct experience must somehow hold hands, despite seeming contradictions. Remember that, because of how YouTube works, to watch the video embedded below you must choose our ‘platinum’ privacy option (click on the fingerprint on the lower left to choose). Otherwise, you can always watch the video directly on YouTube.

The physics of first-person perspective: An introduction

The physics of first-person perspective: An introduction

Seeing | Quantum physics | 2022-12-11

Macro,Shot,Of,The,Person's,Eye,With,Universe,Galaxy,Space

Here is an informal chat between Dr. Markus Müller (IQOIQ-Vienna, Austrian Academy of Sciences), Dr. Bernardo Kastrup and Hans Busstra (Essentia Foundation), recorded just after the online conference “The physics of first-person perspective.” The conversation provides a tantalizing preview of the themes discussed in the conference, as well as their relevance to how we view the nature of reality. The conference’s presentations will be published by Essentia Foundation over the coming weeks.

Spacetime is just a headset: An interview with Donald Hoffman

Spacetime is just a headset: An interview with Donald Hoffman

Seeing | Ontology | 2022-11-06

Young woman using glasses of virtual reality on dark background. Smartphone using with VR headset,virtual reality,future technology concept.Asian woman using VR glasses in colorful neon lights.

Prof. Donald Hoffman talks to Essentia Foundation’s Hans Busstra about his theory of conscious agents, according to which space and time are cognitive constructs in consciousness, not an objective scaffolding of the world outside. The interview also touches on Prof. Hoffman’s personal history and life, bringing the warmth of his humanity to the academic rigor of his theories. Notice that, because of how YouTube works, to watch the video embedded in this page you must choose our ‘Platinum’ privacy option. Otherwise, you can also watch the video directly on YouTube.

Consciousness cannot be reduced to brain activity: Doctor Raymond Tallis on the mind-body problem

Consciousness cannot be reduced to brain activity: Doctor Raymond Tallis on the mind-body problem

Seeing | Neuroscience | 2022-10-30

Psychedelic,Brain,In,Vivid,Colors.,3d,Rendering

Professor Tallis—a philosopher, poet, novelist, cultural critic, retired medical physician and clinical neuroscientist—discusses the relationship between mind and brain, as well as the big questions about the nature of reality. Notice that, because of how YouTube works, to watch the video embedded in this page you must choose our ‘Platinum’ privacy option. Otherwise, you can also watch the video directly on YouTube.

Quantum physics and the first-person perspective

Quantum physics and the first-person perspective

Seeing | Quantum physics

Markus Müller, PhD | 2022-10-23

770-402_BEX_Banner_Essentia Foundation_1920x1080px

The Nobel Prize in physics in 2022 went to scientists who, for over 40 years, have carried out a series of experiments indicating that, contrary to materialist expectations, physical entities do not have standalone existence but are, in fact, products of observation. This result is extraordinarily relevant to our understanding of the nature of reality, and so Essentia Foundation’s conference this year is organized in collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Vienna (IQOQI-Vienna), of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The  IQOQI-Vienna is home to Prof. Anton Zeilinger, one of 2022’s Nobel Laureates in physics. The conference will be hosted by IQOQI-Vienna’s Dr. Markus Müller and feature seven other speakers. You can attend the conference online, for free, without need for registration, by using this link: https://webinar.cue-support.nl/essentiafoundation. So set the dates in your calendars: 17 and 18 November 2022, between 2:00pm and 5:45pm (Central European Standard Time, CEST).

Classical physics describes the objective and deterministic evolution of a unique external world composed of material entities. One of its main characteristics is to keep the observer out of the description, and this commitment has historically, without doubt, been an important methodological strength. However, quantum physics challenges this commitment: for example, the measurement problem attributes special significance to the act of observation, and Bell’s theorem challenges the assumption that measurements always reveal preexisting properties of the world.

Are some ‘laws of nature’ better interpreted as agents’ betting strategies than facts of the world? Should we think of quantum theory as relational, and if so, as specifically relative to an observer, as Wigner’s friend-type thought experiments may suggest? At this conference, we will discuss whether, and if so, how, the first-person perspective is an irreducible part of quantum physics, and what this may tell us about the paradigm of materialism.

You can watch the conference live via this link: https://webinar.cue-support.nl/essentiafoundation.

Conference speakers

Can brain anatomy and function account for psychiatric conditions?

Can brain anatomy and function account for psychiatric conditions?

Seeing | Neuroscience | 2022-09-25

Medical,Hospital,Research,Lab:,Black,Female,Neuroscientist,Looking,At,Tv

In this in-depth interview, Prof. dr. Sarah Durston discusses the limitations of trying to account for psychiatric conditions based solely on measurable brain anatomy and function. Her candid answers may surprise those who think that brain-reductionism rests on solid ground for at least the most common psychiatric conditions.

A child’s sense of Self

A child’s sense of Self

Seeing | Child psychology | 2022-09-11

Group portrait of two white Caucasian cute adorable funny children toddlers sitting together sharing eating apple food, love friendship childhood concept, best friends forever

This special video production documents an informal engagement between Essentia Foundation’s founder and chairman, Fred Matser, and school children from Belthorn, UK. Yet unbiased by our culture’s conventional views regarding the nature of reality, these children’s pre-intellectual, felt sense of self and other reflect age-old intuitions rooted in nature, which we disregard at our own peril. The video is an invitation to revisit rooms in the palace of our minds that we’ve left behind many, many years ago; rooms that contain forgotten treasures whose unspoiled authenticity is an antidote to many of modern life’s ills.