Schrödinger’s Estimation; Why Estimations Don’t Mean Anything

In quantum mechanics, Schrödinger’s cat is a thought experiment that illustrates a paradox of quantum superposition. In the thought experiment, a hypothetical cat may be considered simultaneously both alive and dead as a result of its fate being linked to a random subatomic event that may or may not occur.

This thought experiment was devised by physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935, in a discussion with Albert Einstein, to illustrate what Schrödinger saw as the problems of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. The scenario is often featured in theoretical discussions of the interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly in situations involving the measurement problem.

What many people don’t know, is that Schrödinger was being purposefully silly with his idea. He was trying to discredit the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics by coming up with a ridiculous example. However, he turned out to grasp the very nature of the concept ‘superposition’ in a way no one before him had. A lasting cultural impression and a wide understanding of this school of superposition couldn’t have been his intention.

Estimations

Being in two states at the same time; a programmer’s nightmare. Without many organizations realizing it, estimations usually…