Axiom · Chain Position 46 of 346

COLLAPSE

**Statement:** Observation induces transition from superposition to definite eigenstate.

Connections

Assumes

  • None

Enables

  • None
Mathematical Layer

Projection Operators

Definition: P is a projection iff P² = P = P†.

Eigenvalue structure: Projections have eigenvalues 0 and 1 only.

Collapse as projection: |ψ⟩ → P_a|ψ⟩/||P_a|ψ⟩|| where P_a = |a⟩⟨a|.

Evidence
Empirical Grounding
This isn't philosophy. This is measured.
  • Landauer's Principle
  • Bérut et al.
Defeat Conditions

To Falsify This

  1. **Show quantum mechanics works without collapse** — Derive all predictions using only unitary evolution
  2. **Explain definite outcomes without projection** — Account for single results without the projection postulate
  3. **Make Many-Worlds derive the Born Rule** — Show MWI can predict probabilities without sneaking in collapse
  4. **Demonstrate observer-free measurement** — Show how information is extracted without consciousness