Opinion bubbles in the quantum Buridan's ass problem

Abstract

The quantum Buridan's ass problem concerns a network of interconnected nodes in which transitions between the nodes are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. In such situations interference between probability amplitudes plays a key role in determining whether the probability of leaving the initial node is large or small and also the speed at which the associated transitions occur. In this paper we extend this idea to consider transitions between one given set of coupled nodes and the remainder of the network. We have in mind a quantum analogy to changing an opinion, in which the initially occupied set of nodes is one opinion bubble, with the remaining parts of the network corresponding to a different opinion. We find that quantum interference again plays a crucial role in the dynamics. A further key component is the role of symmetry between the nodes and their interconnections, as it is symmetry that lies at the heart of the Buridan's ass puzzle. In the classical Buridan's ass paradox it is symmetry between competing alternatives that freezes the ass into indecision. In the quantum case, however, interference results in a far richer dynamics.

18 pages, 8 figures