Brochas Daf Yud Ches amud aleph

[Rav Yonasan] said to him, but do [the dead] know so much [about what is going on in this world]?

The daf contains an extensive dispute as to whether or not the dead are aware of what is happening in Olam haZeh, our world, with many examples being brought to show that they are, or are not aware.

In Mictav mi-Eliyahu (volume Two, p.62), Rav Dessler explain that there need be no dispute.  Rather the protagonists are describing two different groups of dead people.

Those who have sinned extensively in this world, and have strong earthy appetites continue to struggle post death to liberate themselves with matters of this world.  Meanwhile their pre-occupation with this world means they remain hyper-aware of what is happening in the here and now; indeed their awareness coupled with their inability to actually participate and thus satisfy their tayvas, cause them significant pain.

By contrast, the righteous who have fully liberated themselves from their physical bodies and exist only in a spiritual dimension are much less aware of the happenings of Olam haZeh.  Indeed Rav Dessler points out that this perspective is buttresed by the activities of the prophet Jeremiah who needs to awake the Avos to pray for the salvation of Yisrael.  Without being awkened and apprised of the danger Yisrael faces, the Avos and Imahos are focused exclusively on the manefestations of the Divine.