Are we all ONE consciousness?

[Beto]

I wrote the following in another thread:

"I've mentioned a theory that states that the physical universe can't really exist, regarding the twin principles of energy: the conservation of energy, and the Uncertainty Principle. I'm not sure anyone here can flat-out argue against this, but I'd like to hear about it.

Anyway, the universe would exist only as a possibility in the quantum field, and it is our consciousness that chooses a possible universe and causes it to "arise" from the quantum field as a "now" or "conscious moment". This got me thinking... how can every consciousness in the world (or universe) choose what seems to be the SAME universe? We would all have to be parts of the SAME universal consciousness. Like when you observe quantum "parts" of the same particle, all "parts" being the particle, in different places at the same time. This has actually been observed. Why, than, can't I see the universe under the same principle? Especially if it doesn't exist beyond a possibility in the quantum field, thereby observing the same rules. It is the observation of the quantum event that forces the collapse of the quantum wave function. Remember the "double slit"? Does this lead to the logical conclusion that we are all part of the same consciousness, aka God to some people? I guess we would have to bare with some MAJOR assumptions. "

I figured this could lead to an interesting debate. Any thoughts?

[QED]

It is the observation of the quantum event that forces the collapse of the quantum wave function.

Only in one interpretation and even then what constitutes an observation is very much debatable. Interesting idea though. I've been hoping to find time to start a debate about the implications of Everett's "many words" interpretation -- which has recently had an enormous boost from David Deutsch and his colleagues at Oxford University. (Thanks go to Furrowed Brow for spotting this recent story). How it works with your "one consciousness" is not clear to me -- but it beautifully explains things like the Elitzer-Vaidman bomb testing problem. If you're not familiar with this one I highly recommend a read. In the many worlds interpretation the "good" bomb only goes off in another parallel world, hence the one under test in our world -- being an exact duplicate, can be known not to be a "dud".

[bernee51]

I wrote the following in another thread:

"I've mentioned a theory that states that the physical universe can't really exist, regarding the twin principles of energy: the conservation of energy, and the Uncertainty Principle. I'm not sure anyone here can flat-out argue against this, but I'd like to hear about it.

Anyway, the universe would exist only as a possibility in the quantum field, and it is our consciousness that chooses a possible universe and causes it to "arise" from the quantum field as a "now" or "conscious moment". This got me thinking... how can every consciousness in the world (or universe) choose what seems to be the SAME universe? We would all have to be parts of the SAME universal consciousness. Like when you observe quantum "parts" of the same particle, all "parts" being the particle, in different places at the same time. This has actually been observed. Why, than, can't I see the universe under the same principle? Especially if it doesn't exist beyond a possibility in the quantum field, thereby observing the same rules. It is the observation of the quantum event that forces the collapse of the quantum wave function. Remember the "double slit"? Does this lead to the logical conclusion that we are all part of the same consciousness, aka God to some people? I guess we would have to bare with some MAJOR assumptions. "

I figured this could lead to an interesting debate. Any thoughts?

In his wonderful essay "What is Life?", Erwin Schrödinger asks the question: "Why is consciousness only ever referred to in the singular?".

Vedantic scholars have maintained for millennia (3000+) that Brahman (universal consciousness) and Atman (individual consciousness) are one and the same. Shankara goes even further in observing that "Only that is real which cannot change or be destroyed". Only one thing meets these criteria - consciousness.

[Cathar1950]

I was just watching some of the "Divine Matrix", or "Cosmic", I don't recall but it reminded me of some pop things I have read such as the Danceing Wolly Masters(?) and the Tau of Physics.
I have enjoyed John Wheller's work and think the concept and experience of consciousness is interesting and overwelming.
Nothing like the Awe of Awe.