A commonly held interpretation of quantum mechanics is the Copenhagen interpretation. In the Copenhagen interpretation, a measurement results in only one state of a superposition. This thought experiment makes apparent the fact that this interpretation simply provides no explanation for the state of the cat while the box is closed. The wavefunction description of the system consists of a superposition of the states "decayed nucleus/dead cat" and "undecayed nucleus/living cat". Only when the box is opened and observed can we make a statement about the cat.
a commonly held interpretation of quantum mechanics is the copenhagen interpretation in the copenhagen interpretation a measurement results in only one state of a superposition this thought experiment makes apparent the fact that this interpretation simply provides no explanation for the state of the cat while the box is closed the wavefunction description of the system consists of a superposition of the states "decayed nucleus/dead cat" and "undecayed nucleus/living cat" only when the box is opened and observed can we make a statement about the cat