"The quantum bromide that quantum particles in a superposition state, do or do not exist until they are measured (observed), allegorized in the Schrödinger “thought experiment” of the cat in a box, applies to UFOs.
"That is, UFOs do not exist until they are observed, but does that observation create the UFO sighting or does the UFO event exist before it is observed?"
"And how does consciousness enter into the equation? Is there a psychological component integral to UFOs, or even a neurological component?"
Rich presents some interesting thoughts, but in the above we are dealing with a micro sub particle concept and attempting to marry it to macro physiological system called the brain.
One question to ask is why do some segments of society see UFOs and the other doesn't? In this post I refer to UFO as something airborne that cannot be identified as terrestrial by nature.
The structures of the brain can be reduced down to the billions of neurons and the numerous neurotransmitters all the way down to the sub particle realm where quantum mechanics would be in play.
But quantum physics provides no answer for defining the mind and thoughts. We can identify and understand the various areas of cognition, but the concept of actual consciousness is still allusive.
Thus a humanistic neurological quantum state is not the answer to human observation of UFOs since this has no impact on consciousness. But cognitive states may provide some clues.
Behaviorism provides some insight in the UFO phenomena. Behaviorism revolves around cognitive functioning that develops through learned experience, memory, reasoning and a myriad of other areas of executive functioning.
Behaviorism also includes the effects of conditioning. I proffer that conditioning is a prime factor that contributes towards the "observer's" perception. Conditioning occurs through various mechanisms, such as, being exposed from an early age to UFO books, TV programs, and movies.
It is through conditioning that provides a possible answers to the question regarding the observer's relationship to UFOs. It is a cognitive perception exercise that has no metaphoric quantum observational meaning.
Rich really said that? Oh, my. The biggest mistake Schrödinger made was creating that damn cat in the box allegory. Now people who don't understand physics think they can apply that little metaphor to anything, like cats or UFOs. UFOs don't exist until they are observed? They don't even exist after they've been observed! Quantum physics isn't a universal grand slam that allows you win the big game of where's the flying saucer (it doesn't exist until you observe it). That's just another pathetic excuse from people who desperately want to believe in their little flying saucers in a world where even The Fortean Times has dismissed UFOs as a non-event. Offering as an excuse for the inability of people all over the world to prove their case these few prosaic qualities inherent to Schrödinger's cat is not a satisfactory resolution that UFO proponents can assert and thereby explain the worthiness of one's faith in flying saucers. Schrödinger never applied these aspects of reality to describe anything above the level of subatomic particles and he would be horrified to know people are using it as an excuse for their own inability to prove the existence of UFOs in our present reality. It's not a magical formula we can use to make the unreal real. As you've already made clear: "It is a cognitive perception exercise that has no metaphoric quantum observational meaning." Bingo.
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