Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #12i

12i. The formulation of Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics, to the point were the terms are synonymous, was long and drawn out. Unlike classical theories, such as Newtonian mechanics and special relativity, no one individual scientist or mathematician was chiefly responsible for its development. It changed the way people look at the world. Physics is no longer strictly causal. Even while neglected by lack of reciprocation, philosophy was impacted no less profoundly. Theories and ideas inconsistent with quantum mechanics have lost credence, if not their following. At the least initially, dis-empowered stakeholders will reflexively react negatively. Some will adapt. Others will ignore the new ideas. The most extreme cases are threatened and even provoked by scientific revelation. If cornered, the resultant backlash will be intense. Reality is often not truth.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #11iii

11. On classical causality v. quantum probability:

iii. Einstein’s theology was in conflict with the nature of quantum mechanics. He believed in the omniscient God of Pierre-Simon Laplace and John Calvin, where everything was done to some predetermined plan. Allegedly, Max Born told Einstein to quit telling God what to do. This attitude reconciles the notions of quantum mechanics with the ideas of God, and swayed many with objections along philosophical grounds. It probably unintentionally led to philosophy largely being discarded from the development of modern physics. Meaning is less important that the usability of the theory. It works; the atom bomb is proof. No less true in scientific careers than any other profession, pragmatism is easier: for advancement, one must move onward even if potentially short shifting fundamentals.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #11ii

11. On classical causality v. quantum probability:

ii. The most famous arguments against quantum probability were made by Albert Einstein. His most famous quote regarding the issue was “God does not play with dice,” while objecting the indeterminate nature of quantum mechanics. Einstein wrote to his colleague, Mac Born, to whom it often fell to refute Einstein’s objections:

“I find the idea quite intolerable that an electron, exposed to radiation should choose of its own free will, not only its moment to jump off, but also its direction. In that case, I would rather be a cobbler, or even an employee in a gaming house, than a physicist.”

In stating his case against the Copenhagen Interpretation, Einstein put forth, to Born, a succession of thought experiments. Born and his students, often with a considerable amount of effort, always found the flaws in his reasoning. Consequently, the case for this interpretation, of the observed phenomena in question, was strengthened. Einstein was no quitter. He eventually stated that the theory was incomplete, and would someday be replaced. Of course, this observation is pretty much true of scientific theories in general.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #11i

11. On classical causality v. quantum probability:

i. Quantum mechanics led physicists away from the causal physics of previous centuries. Certain historical figures and physicists in general, as identified by Werner Heisenberg,[13] were critical of the Copenhagen Interpretation. The first group wished to modify its wording to more closely agree with classical physics. This group did not disagree with the physics. They admitted the theory’s experimental predictions were accurate. For this group, the philosophical implications were difficult to accept, and so sought to change it. As good scientists, the second camp agreed with the theory, but wished to challenge certain components. The last faction, which included some such as Albert Einstein[14] and Erwin Schrödinger that were ironically instrumental in its formulation, were deeply dissatisfied with the widespread interpretation, and in particular concerning its philosophy.

[13] See Werner Heisenberg, Physics and Philosophy - The Revolution in Modern Science for further reading.

[14] His single Nobel prize was for discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, which was unexplainable in classical terms and is considered one of the bases of the development of modern physics.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #10viii

viii. The Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics states that every particle is described by its wave function, which contains information for determining the probability for it to be found in any location following a measurement. Each measurement causes the wave function to collapse. Other interpretations have also been developed, such as Bohm’s Interpretation,[12] which involves hidden variable to describe quantum behavior. All interpretations must agree with observations to be considered valid. The Copenhagen Interpretation works well enough.

[12] See David Bohm, Wholeness and the Implicate Order (1981) for further reading.

Yahia Lababidi

Yahia Lababidi's book of aphorisms, Signposts, is available - re-issued, revised, and with new material - directly from Jane Street Press. He has also sent me seven new aphorisms:

Whether having sex, or crossing the street - we make daily negotiations with others just to keep alive.

Excuses: the first refuge of the failure.

Indirect communication permits us to be reckless with the truth, confessing more than we would ordinarily dare.

Only after we have mastered a thing are we beyond it: such as culture, technique ... even words.

Things are at their most comfortable, before they collapse – be they armchairs or relationships.

It can be just as difficult to catch a whiff of our own anguish as it is to detect our bad breath.

Eye contact: how souls catch fire.