PBS Space Time Season 2020 Episode 9 Does Quantum Immortality Save Schr?dinger's Cat?

PBS Space Time season 2020 episode 9, titled "Does Quantum Immortality Save Schrödinger's Cat?" explores the popular thought experiment called Schrödinger's Cat and its relationship with quantum mechanics and the concept of quantum immortality.

The episode starts off by introducing the concept of Schrödinger's Cat, a thought experiment that involves placing a cat in a sealed box with a vial of poison that will be released if a radioactive atom decays. According to quantum mechanics, the radioactive atom exists in a superposition of both decayed and not decayed states until it is observed by an external consciousness. This means that until someone observes the atom and determines whether or not it has decayed, the cat is simultaneously both alive and dead.

Host Matt O'Dowd then delves into the interpretation of quantum mechanics and the various theories that try to explain the strange and counterintuitive phenomena observed in the subatomic world. One such theory is the Many-Worlds Interpretation, which posits that for every possible outcome of an event, there exists a parallel universe where that specific outcome occurs.

The concept of quantum immortality arises from this theory, as it suggests that if an individual were placed in a situation where their survival depended on a quantum event with two possible outcomes, the observer would always experience the outcome that results in their survival, and therefore, their consciousness would always exist in a universe where they survived. This would mean that even in situations where the odds are stacked against an individual’s survival, they would always "survive" in some universe.

O'Dowd then poses the question of whether or not quantum immortality can "save" Schrödinger's Cat, and bring it back to life in a cat-friendly universe. He explores what it would take to bring the cat back to life, including the possibility of "quantum resurrection" where the cat's wave function would be reconstructed from the information of its original state and recreated in another parallel universe.

Throughout the episode, O'Dowd uses relatable examples and analogies to help viewers understand the complexities of quantum mechanics, demonstrating how it is possible for particles to exist in multiple locations at the same time or for two particles to become "entangled" and influence each other's behavior from great distances.

In conclusion, PBS Space Time season 2020 episode 9 is an engaging and accessible exploration of the strange and fascinating world of quantum mechanics, as well as the theories and concepts surrounding Schrödinger's Cat and quantum immortality. It offers insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the multiverse, while also providing valuable context for understanding cutting-edge scientific research.