Is a cat both dead and alive at the same time?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Explore one of the most famous paradoxes in physics. This video breaks down Erwin Schrödinger's thought experiment to illustrate how quantum mechanics challenges our basic understanding of reality.

Erwin Schrödinger, a pioneer of quantum mechanics, proposed this scenario to highlight the strange behavior of subatomic particles. In the experiment, a cat is placed in a sealed box with a mechanism that has a 50% probability of killing it within an hour.

The thought experiment explores the concept of superposition—the idea that a system exists in all possible states simultaneously until it is observed. It serves as a critical tool for understanding how quantum rules differ from our everyday experiences.

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