With the discovery of quantum theory and the subsequent controversies that arise from it's acceptance, the role of observation, always having been a fundamental aspect of science, has been knocked from its conventional orbit of interpretation. With the implications of observance being responsible for the nature of the observed, classical Newtonian physics (along with the Newtonian worldview) have been rendered incapable of describing quantum phenomena. With this fundamental shift, a new view of the universe is starting to take form in the minds of may, one that accurately incorporates the observer with the observed.
The best aspect to explore in order to lay the groundwork for this new world view would be the role of the wavefunction. The wavefunction is best illustrated with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in electrons. Essentially, electrons exist in a state of superposition within their orbit, and no observer may state where the electron is in this orbit with complete accuracy. The wavefunction of an electron is then a representation of the probability that the electron is in a specific area. When observed the electron is found, in particle form, in a demonstrable location. The duality of particles and the property of wavefunction relating to outside observance is the first principle necessary to interpret and integrate into a new view of the universe. A wavefunction can incorporate more than just one single particle such as an electron, as ultimately in the macro universe objects are made of billions of smaller particles. If then we entertain the thought of the wavefunction of the entire universe, it would be the possibility of anything ever happening anywhere. The ground of the universe is fundamentally changed with this thought. If every particle of matter within the bounds of reality contributes the wavefunction of this entire plane of existence, then suddenly attributes such as space and location seem to be qualities of another sort. If we take the implications of the master wavefunction as a guide to the fundamental substance the holds the substrata of the universe in proper working order, then it is not a fabric made of matter, but of possibility. It is only with the considerations of observation that matter is given a place and location in the master wavefunction. The defines of observation are then necessary to expound upon then in order to better understand the relationship between wavefunction and observed matter.
It seems unlikely that the human cognizance be given some special privilege when it is a prerequisite of observation, unless we are to believe that the entire universe only began when man did. The meaning of observation must be then taken to another defining element before being able to be understood, and that is what it constitutes between two non-sentient bodies. Two particles creating a collision is a definitive and real aspect of our universe, as the entire school of chemistry will pay testament. How, then, do two particles "observe" each other? With sentient objects, observation may be very neatly explained as a cognizant body making mental note of another - but with the removal of life from the picture, it is not so tidy. Observation must shift from a phenomena only living beings are capable of to one that atoms also hold in stock.
The mechanism of observation is not one to be held in monopoly by living creatures - as they ultimately hold an infinitesimally small amount of real-estate in the universe. Every object in the universe is individual in the sense that it exists in a location that nothing else in the universe exists in. The individuality of every particle of matter in the master wavefunction is then a key aspect of understanding this relationship. Essentially, as the master wavefunction incorporates every possibility that could ever be given physical expression, then different possibilities must be given physical expression in unique areas of the wavefunction. The individuality of particles gives them the capability of being separate from the master wavefunction, and able to be understood in terms of space and location. While not being directly observed by human cognizance, a particle is always subjected to certain forces and energies (heat, for example.) In this sense, an atom is always being kept in a defined region based upon the greater forces of nature acting upon it. The individuality of an atom and its specific location in the physical universe are kept within a limited range of possibilities due to the fact that the atom cannot be in places that other atoms occupy. Therefore, this constant movement between locations and the different ranges of possibility, in other words, constant shifting and evolving of the wavefunction for individual particles, creates a plane where each finds a demonstrable location based upon the wavefunction of other particles in the relevant area. With this worked out, observation, while not in a form that the human mind would find recognizable, is always taking place between objects.
The nature of cognizance and the greater implications of integrating observation in the basic fundamentals of reality is then the next aspect of the quantum universe to explore. Observation is a phenomena that is always taking place, and this must accordingly mean that even electrons are "aware" of their surroundings. In effect, the ability of matter to observe it's surroundings entail that all matter is capable of storing information, the main building stuff of cognizance. Information comprises the primary concern of any body in the quantum universe. Essentially all interactions that take place exchange and alter the informative data contained within each particle. Groupings of information, or in other words, arrangements of particles, contain an ever increasing amount of data. Sentience then seems not to be some special and rare occurrence but a natural part of the evolution of matter. Life is not a random and spontaneous movement but a predictable and inevitable outcome of information interacting and re-arranging.
The quantum universe is one built on the exchanging of information between bodies. Even if a body does not directly observe the causes of a particular event, it can still observe the indirect results of any exchange. For example, it is not feasible to literally see an exchange of electrons take place in a chemical reaction, yet the greater implications of the fact can be seen in the results of the experiment. In this way all information about all micro processes taking place in the universe are converted and given a form in a macro representation. This is also true for the reverse principle. In essence, information is the only certainty in the universe.
The ability of a body to observe and interpret informative data is the ability of that body to react to (and thereby change) the environment around it. To illustrate this, imagine a well-concealed predator stalking its prey. If the prey is able to accurately observe its environment, and aware enough to interpret the suspicious movement up ahead as a predator, it will flee, and survive. If however the prey fails to do this, it will die. Both are possible outcomes of the situation, yet only one may take place in this location. The quantum universe mirrors this in the fact that information may influence the action of bodies. Without the ability to receive and emit data, the quantum universe falls apart.
The new worldview brought about by the acceptance of quantum physics is one that gives the utmost potency to the role of cognizant faculties in the universe. With it comes the realization that all the universe is a plane to store information, and that information is expressed in the form of matter. With the interactions of matter come exchanges of information, until information finally becomes so organized and well-understood that sentient objects may be formed. Without the ability to maintain data, matter would not be given a location, and therefore would not exist in the planes of this universe. Ultimately, the quantum universe is one that is built solely of cognizance.
