Quantum theory is a central theory to the explanation of the apparent supernatural nature of the Slender Man, and is a competitor to the Core Theory and the Tulpa Effect. Quantum theory is based in around the idea that Slender Man is a physical substratum, not a thoughtform, whose existence and powers are in part reliant on physics and understood science. Slenderwalking can be attributed to both of these theories. This explanation seeks a physical explanation and not a pseudo-scientific explanation for Slender Man.
Foundations in modern quantum mechanics
The Copenhagen model of quantum mechanics, the interpretation of experimental particle data widely taught[1] and accepted,[2] is believed by many to be nearly synonymous with indeterminism,[3] the philosophy that all actions of the Universe are inherently random. Data from experimentation in the quantum domain reveal that electrons and other fundamental particles have what is called a wavefunction, or ψ.[4] The Copenhagen model posits that this wavefunction is a probability distribution of the particle in question, and is collapsed by an external measurement into certainty. Thus, the particle could be anywhere in spacetime, but has a greater probability of being located at one position than another. When the wavefunction is collapsed by an observer or measurement, it is forced to randomly choose a position with respect to the probability of the equation.[4]
However, as more and more wavefunctions overlap, the probability distribution is amplified further to a certain position, such that the composite wavefunction has a higher degree of certainty in being found at a certain region.[5] Thus, a human made of billions of particles is not as "mobile" as a quantum particle in that it is almost certainly in any given position at any time, and will not "jump" around as single particles often do.
Quantum compatibility with Slender Man
The physics of the quantum world are obviously very similar to the observed supernatural activity of Slender Man. As Slender Man is never seen before standing in a fixed position,[6] and because Slender Man's "teleportation" is seemingly instantaneous and unlimited, the explanation of "slenderwalking" as a quantum wavefunction gains credence. Likewise, as the author of Encyclopedia Slenderia notes, "the idea of something gaining a fixed position due to being observed screams quantum physics."[6] As a quantum particle exists superposed in all possible quantum states before it is collapsed into certainty, Slender Man exists in all possible locations before an observer (most likely his victim) collapses Slender Man into a certain location.
For the quantum theory of Slender Man's supernatural nature to have substantial explanatory power, Slender Man must have a wavefunction with probability similar to lonely fundamental particles. Thus, sophisticated versions of quantum theory suggest that Slender Man is himself a sort of natural embodiment of probability, a fundamental substratum that, although seemingly composed of billions of particles like humans, acts as a single quantum particle. Furthermore, if Slender Man has this single particle activity, he must also be plenipotent, in that he controls the probabilistic wavefunction and consequently his position within spacetime. There is current scientific research into wavefunction control, such as in quantum dots.[7][8]
Competing theories
There are several alternative theories that have been put forth to help explain the nature of Slender Man. The Core Theory presupposes the existence of the Tulpa Effect, and explains the Slender Man's origin and nature as a thoughtform created by the mind. A pseudoscientific theory has been put forth that Slender Man is a trans-dimensional being, and argues that Slender Man is an entity from some higher dimension. This is a misunderstanding of modern scientific thought on the concept of a dimension, and is considered an offshoot of Quantum theory. Nonscientific and non-Tulpa theories are collectively called Supernatural Explanations of Slender Man, and are named so in that Slender Man is truly supernatural, and can not be explained by science.
References
- ↑ Wimmel, Hermann. Quantum Physics & Observed Reality: A Critical Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. p. 2.
- ↑ The Role of Decoherence in the Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. p. 1.
- ↑ Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Quantum Mechanics.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Tipler, Paul A., et al. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 1. pp. 1185 - 1186.
- ↑ Serway, Raymond A., et al. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 2. p. 1297.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Slenderwalking All 'Round the World. Encyclopedia Slenderia. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- ↑ Optical Control and Spectroscopy of Quantum Dots. Research Associateship Programs. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ↑ Huibers, Andrew. Electron Transport and Dephasing in Semiconductor Quantum Dots. p. 8.