2005-05-23

Of Heisenberg and 5M's behaviour

The more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known in this instant, and vice versa.
-- The Uncertainty Principle, Heisenberg, 1927


Simply put, Heisenberg said that to understand how sub-atomic particles work, one has to observe their behaviour. The problem is, the mere action of observing such particles may affect the particle. In other words you can't observe quantum mechanics as an "outside observer".

Now lets take a look at 5M (our own little sub-atomic particle).

She's posted this blog for public consumption. There is evidence of less and less anonymity behind it. Supposedly, M knows about it. The recent postings by the other commentators and bloggers (including the one who knows lcp) suggests that people she has personally met are fully cognizant of her blog and its content.

So where does that leave us? Are we reallly getting the goods on 5M? It seems that as her anonymity diminishes over time, the level of objectivity of this online confession will diminish as well.

1 comment:

4th Dwarf said...

Arr, Chair, enough of this scientoligal prattling. The Muse spins a good yarn. 'Tis enough fer a simple man like me.

When a matey jaws ye a tale of some derringdo can ye not see through the smoke and the blarney that p'raps he slew less than the dozen he claims and the damsel he rescued 'twas not necessarily the most ravishing gem on the Spanish Main?