Quantum Theory Works Without Consciousness

Quantum mechanics has long grappled with the role of the observer, leading to debates about whether consciousness influences outcomes or if the theory is flawed. A recent analysis shows that by combining Feynman's probability rules with von Neumann's principle of psycho-physical parallelism, quantum theory can consistently predict experimental without invoking consciousness. This approach treats observers' memories as material objects, ensuring calculations remain within the realm of physical science.

The key finding is that quantum probabilities for sequences of observations can be computed using Feynman's of summing amplitudes for all possible paths, without needing to address wave function collapse or the observer's mind. For example, in scenarios with multiple observers, the probabilities depend solely on changes in material records, such as memory states, not on conscious perception. This was demonstrated in a two-observer experiment where the second observer's changed only if the first observer's memory was altered, not merely if they were aware of the outcome.

Ology relies on Feynman's rules: calculate amplitudes for virtual paths connecting quantum states, sum them when paths are indistinguishable, and square the result to get probabilities. This static view avoids the dynamic picture of a continuously evolving wave function, simplifying the process to matrix multiplications and additions. In the paper, this was applied to cases like the Wigner's friend paradox, where predictions matched expected outcomes without contradictions.

From the analysis, illustrated in figures like Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, show that interference effects in quantum measurements disappear when material records are created, even if those records are never consulted. For instance, in one scenario, the probability of a yes outcome for the second observer was 23% higher when the first observer's memory held a record, compared to when it did not, due to the destruction of interference terms. This aligns with Feynman's photon analogy, where a scattered photon destroys interference regardless of detection.

This matters because it clarifies quantum mechanics for everyday applications, such as secure data sharing or quantum computing, by emphasizing that predictions rely on physical changes, not mystical elements. It reassures that the theory is robust and applicable without resorting to untestable ideas about consciousness, making it more accessible for technologies that depend on accurate quantum predictions.

Limitations include the assumption that all relevant information is stored in material records, leaving questions about scenarios where records are destroyed or inaccessible. The paper notes that if all records are erased, knowledge of past events becomes irretrievable, but this does not undermine the theory's consistency. Future work could explore how this applies to larger systems or real-world experiments beyond the idealized cases discussed.