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This is a semi-theological question which I hope isn't out of place in this forum.

The Copenhagen interpretation requires observers to collapse the wavefunction. Certainly, the question of whether or not God is omniscient is open to debate, but can God, by observing the universe cause the wavefunction of the universe to collapse? Can God be in a superposition?

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I guess this is out of place indeed. The existence and property of God are not scientifically verifiable. – C.R. Feb 4 '12 at 16:04
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Paging Bishop Berkerly. – dmckee Feb 4 '12 at 16:19

closed as not constructive by Qmechanic, dmckee Feb 4 '12 at 16:20

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1 Answer

If you assume the existence of an omnipotent God, and you assume that he mandatorily collapses wavefunctions through observations (He may have the power to actually see wavefunctions without collapsing them), then yes, the universe's wavefunction would be collapsed (which it isn't, otherwise certain experiments would not work). Thus, either:

  1. There is no God
  2. If there is a God, he is not omnipotent
  3. If there is an omnipotent God, he should have the power to withhold the collapsing of a wavefunction (I.e, he should be able to observe stuff without having to collapse the wavefunction; thus observing the wavefunction itself)
  4. If none of the above are true, then quantum mechanics does not work.

With the absence of scientific evidence for any of these points, you can take your pick of the answers, though none would be scientifically correct till we get proof.

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After rereading this I wish I could see what a wavefunction looks like. – Manishearth Feb 4 '12 at 16:18
of course just the very definition of GD means he can do anything, of course he can observe stuff without making it collapse. i don't understand this response at all – Артём Царионов Nov 5 '12 at 21:52

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