ELI5 Schrödinger's Cat - is the cat both dead and alive and why does it matter in quantum mechanics?

ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast

Explain Schrödinger's Cat in simple terms. Why did Erwin Schrödinger propose this thought experiment in the first place? What was Schrödinger trying to argue against with his cat example? Which other scientist inspired Schrödinger to devise the cat?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: culturedgoat, flurb4, use-paragon, tenor1, hackey_sack, western_ground7478 and burnoutbrigheter6

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