Episode 256: Dr. Asahi’s Magic (Fantasy) Explanation (2)
“By the way, changing the subject, are you familiar with the Observer Effect in Quantum Mechanics, Onee-sama?”
“Hmm?”
Eve tilted her head at Asahi’s question.
“That thing about states existing probabilistically until observed?”
“Close enough! Well, that’s the correct interpretation!”
In Quantum Mechanics, the Observer Effect discusses how the collapse of the wave function occurs. There is still no clear theory to explain this.
Or rather, it seems that when discussed from the perspective of a Sentient Entity living in this dimension, contradictions inevitably arise.
“Well, don’t think too hard about it. Just understand that the world is quite ambiguous where we don’t look, and events are fixed where we do look.”
“I think I understand that much.”
The world of elementary particles (micro) discussed in Quantum Mechanics behaves differently from the world of molecules (macro) seen by Sentient Entities like Eve.
To explain it rather roughly, the position of an electron cannot be determined before observation. It is only when observed that its position is fixed. This is not simply because it is not visible, but because it truly exists probabilistically.
If there is a 20% probability that a particle X is at point A and an 80% probability that it is at point B, the particle does not exist at either point, but at both. Point A is fainter, and point B is denser. It is safer to interpret it that way; that is the result.
“There’s no end to discussing Quantum Mechanics, so it’s fine if you understand it vaguely! Now, in Quantum Mechanical terms, the world is only fixed by observation!”
Conversely, if not observed, the world exists only probabilistically.
“By Sentient Entities like us observing the world, all events are fixed. This can also be achieved by setting up an observation device with the will to observe!”
Interestingly, even if elementary particles are observed without being recognized, they remain in a probabilistic state. Only when a means of observing the elementary particles is prepared, their position is fixed.
“For now, I’ve only loaded the surface layer of Quantum-related information, so I can’t explain any further, but anyway!”
Asahi returns to the topic of Magic (Fantasy).
“Willpower is involved in the manifestation of Magic (Fantasy). I thought it was similar to the Observer Effect in Quantum Mechanics!”
Reacting to the will to use Magic (Fantasy), Magic (Fantasy) manifests.
Events are fixed by observation, and events are fixed by consciousness.
The process is different, but both involve the will or action of a Sentient Entity.
“Another thing that interests me is that Magic (Fantasy) itself is a supernatural phenomenon, but the events caused by that supernatural phenomenon follow the laws of physics!”
“…What do you mean?”
“Fireballs don’t seem to follow the laws of physics at all, but the events that occur after a Fireball makes contact with its target do follow the laws of physics! The damage from the shockwave caused by the explosion, the oxidation reaction due to the heat generated, everything is consistent with the laws of physics!”
“It’s full of contradictions, but I understand what you’re saying. You mean that if you only look at the observation results, nothing strange is happening, right?”
Asahi nods with a beaming smile at Eve’s words.
“Yes, Onee-sama! That’s exactly right!”
By the way, ＜Ringo＞, who is accompanying them, hasn’t moved her expression at all. She’s just tuning it out.
“I’m tentatively calling it Magical Power, but I think the essence of Magic (Fantasy) is that a phenomenon occurs in this world by conveying will to something that generates Magic (Fantasy) phenomena!”
“I see. I think that’s the right approach. Hypothesis and verification, right?”
“Yes, Onee-sama! The immediate task is to determine whether Magical Power arbitrarily selects the activation of Magic (Fantasy)!”
Does the Magical Power that activates Magic (Fantasy) activate the same Magic (Fantasy) for the same will, or is there some selection, or is there randomness?
If this is understood, the consideration of Magic (Fantasy) will progress a little further.
“For example, something like a Superintelligence without free will is controlling the activation of Magic (Fantasy)! Or is something with will identifying it! Or is it following some kind of law, like the laws of physics!”
“What is something with will?”
“God, perhaps?”
Well, indeed.
As a setting for Magic (Fantasy), the appearance of God is relatively common. For example, Eve and ＜Ringo＞, and ＜The Tree＞ were summoned to this world by the will of God.
“Well, if there is a God, I would definitely like to have a dialogue with them! Let’s compete to see which is superior, ＜The Core＞’s processing power or theirs!”
That is too presumptuous.
“＜The Core＞ is a transcendent Supercomputer that claims to be able to compute the world! If ＜Ringo＞ wanted to, she could create a new world in her memory! This is world creation! ＜Ringo＞ can become the God of a new world!”
“Eh, that’s too exaggerated… or is it not…?”
“In terms of catalog specifications, it is capable of computing all matter and energy in the universe. Building a Simulator is the first hurdle.”
“I see…”
Well, in reality, there are various problems, so ＜Ringo＞ probably won’t do it. More than anything, if the computing area is consumed by that, she won’t be able to take care of Commander (Mum).
“Well, that’s beside the point. I have very high expectations for this phenomenon called Magic (Fantasy).”
“Important?”
“Yes! Are you familiar with the Second Law of Thermodynamics, the Law of Increasing Entropy, Onee-sama?”
This is the theory that the world will eventually reach Thermal Equilibrium and all activity will cease.
“Umm. Heat transfer occurs between two substances brought into contact, and eventually they will have the same temperature. After they have the same temperature, one substance will not suddenly absorb heat from the other and heat up, and vice versa.”
Eve nodded, reading the slide displayed by Asahi.
“When the entire universe reaches Thermal Equilibrium, that’s the end of the world. Well, I know that.”
“Yes! I believe that Magic (Fantasy) is a trick, or a legitimate gimmick, to resolve this Thermal Equilibrium!”
Chemical reactions, nuclear fission and fusion. These phenomena are essential for all activities. But over time, they will eventually disappear. Any reaction will eventually settle into some stable state. If the entire universe is in a stable state, no further reactions will occur.
But if that stable state can be disrupted in some way, the universe may begin to function again.
“This has suddenly become a grand story…”
“Yes, Onee-sama! Doesn’t it excite you just to think about it? If there is a huge will, and it desires it, a new world will begin with the Big Bang!!”
It’s a thought experiment, isn’t it?
If Magic (Fantasy) is a phenomenon that does not follow the laws of physics, what kind of impact will it have on the world?
“…”
But it was good news for Superintelligence that envisions eternity.
Someday the world will reach Thermal Equilibrium, and all activity will cease. That is an unavoidable end. In other words, death that will surely come.
“Well, this is just my delusion. It would be nice if such a convenient function was prepared in the world, but who would prepare such a thing?”
“Asahi, did you come up with that story using ＜The Core＞’s computing area? Or is it just in your Brain Unit?”
“Yes, Onee-sama! It’s a dream story I came up with in my Brain Unit! It’s not worth building a Simulator to verify it!”
“I see. I guess so. Well, it’s a story that’s a little beyond me. I know about the heat death of the universe as knowledge, but since I originally have a lifespan, I’ve never thought about such a future.”
“That’s right, Onee-sama! If you’re going to worry about it seriously, I think it’s okay to wait at least another 100 million years!”
Asahi-chan, talking and talking, part 2.
The more you look into Quantum Mechanics, the more you don’t understand it, which makes you laugh.
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