The transactional handshake metaphor that relates quantum theory and empathy circles.

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Monday November 24, 2025 · 1:00 PM PST

2025/11/24 · 13:00

This is an Open Thread / Coffee Hour and all topics of conversation are welcome. And as a suggested topic, today lets talk about transactional handshake metaphor found in one of the interpretations of Quantum Theory.

How are you doing today? What is for dinner? What is on your mind? All topics of conversation are welcome. If you are new to Street Prophets please introduce yourself in the comments below.

There is an interpretation of Quantum Theory called the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics (TIQM). Now this interpretation does not predict anything new but it accurately comes up with the same answers as the other the other interpretations of quantum mechanics.

In TIQM, the source emits a usual (retarded) wave forward in time, but it also emits an advanced wave backward in time; furthermore, the receiver, who is later in time, also emits an advanced wave backward in time and a retarded wave forward in time. A quantum event occurs when a "handshake" exchange of advanced and retarded waves triggers the formation of a transaction in which energy, momentum, angular momentum, etc. are transferred.

Wikipedia: Transactional Interpretation

Jump the fold to see where I’m going with this and how it mirrors Empathy Circles.

How are you doing today? What is for dinner? What is on your mind? All topics of conversation are welcome. If you are new to Street Prophets please introduce yourself in the comments below.

This article is continued after the fold.

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