Quantum mechanics, observation, and halacha
For a brief intro to the problem of Schrödinger's cat, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger%27s_cat.
So it is the observation that determines whether the cat is dead or alive. Until there is observation of the fact, the cat is considered in both the dead and alive state. Many have difficulty with this concept because in our usual frame of logic it is either/or. But this suspended determination also exist in the halachic realm. For certain categories, it is the observation that classifies, and what you don't see doesn't count. Consequently, one could actually be advised to avoid seeing in order to avoid the category. Perhaps there is some connection between talmudic thinking and physics.
So it is the observation that determines whether the cat is dead or alive. Until there is observation of the fact, the cat is considered in both the dead and alive state. Many have difficulty with this concept because in our usual frame of logic it is either/or. But this suspended determination also exist in the halachic realm. For certain categories, it is the observation that classifies, and what you don't see doesn't count. Consequently, one could actually be advised to avoid seeing in order to avoid the category. Perhaps there is some connection between talmudic thinking and physics.
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