From Classical Physics to Quantum Physics: A Still Aborning Paradigm Shift

Abubakar Sani Garba, Habibu Ahmad Ibrahim, Abdurrashid Abusafiyan

Jerome Manyahi

For three centuries Newtonian mechanics had been firmly established as a valid theory for the understanding of physical reality; if one understands the laws of physics, then one understands the whole universe. Classical physicists had contented themselves with the search for regularities in measurements and in the physical world. Irregularities were regarded as noises that interfered with the deterministic picture of physical reality. However, from 1900s onwards with the quantum hypothesis, physicists had begun to recognize that the physics of Newton and Maxwell were inadequate for the understanding of all of the physical reality. For example, the interaction of radiation with matter could not be explained from classical physics. This dilemma led to the discovery of quantum mechanics. In this article we explore the challenges that students face in understanding quantum mechanics that arises from paradigm shift in the mode of reasoning about the physical world. The description of physical reality in general and quantum reality in particular requires that we shift our mode of reasoning from classical Boolean logic to quantum non Boolean logic.

E.L. Albuquerque

Valia Allori

Wim Vegt

The pivotal shift in Physics initiated by Erwin Heisenberg's seminal work in 1925 marked a significant departure from classical paradigms towards what is now known as modern quantum physics. Heisenberg's groundbreaking paper, "On the quantum-theoretical reinterpretation of kinematical and mechanical relationships," commonly referred to as "Die Umdeutung," heralded a radical transformation in the foundation of physics. By replacing the traditional religious notion of "Causality" with an atheistic concept of "Probability," Heisenberg's work revolutionized the field. The removal of "Causality" challenged the religious underpinning of physics, leading to a reevaluation of fundamental principles. This shift, epitomized by the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, transformed the deterministic worldview into a probabilistic one, sparking debates on the nature of existence and human agency.The ramifications of this paradigm shift extended beyond theoretical discourse. The ethical implications of scientific advancements, exemplified by the development of the atomic bomb during World War II, underscored the complex interplay between physics, morality, and political ideologies. The juxtaposition of Heisenberg's involvement in Nazi Germany's atomic research and Oppenheimer's leadership in the Manhattan Project highlighted the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists in wartime.Moreover, the integration of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle with Newton's Causality Principle rekindles discussions on the interconnectedness of Physics, Philosophy, and Theology. The quest for a unified framework underscores the importance of reconciling divergent perspectives to forge a coherent understanding of the universe. This synthesis seeks to bridge the gap between classical paradigms and modern quantum theory, offering new insights into the intertwined fabric of physical laws and metaphysical beliefs.

Atila Yüksel

This chapter embarks on a journey through the evolving intersections of classical and quantum paradigms, examining their implications for the social sciences. Beginning with the classical paradigm and its limitations, the discussion introduces the philosophical foundations and revolutionary insights of quantum mechanics, challenging traditional assumptions of reality. Key quantum concepts such as uncertainty, complementarity, entanglement, and the probabilistic nature of the wave function are explored to reveal a world marked by interconnectedness and discontinuity. The chapter then reconsiders fundamental constructs of space, time, and causality, investigating quantum non-locality, the complex nature of time, and the nuances of causation beyond mere correlation. Expanding beyond physics, the discussion reimagines social science methodologies, proposing a reconceptualization of reality that embraces quantum perspectives. This framework shifts the understanding of the “researched” from a classical to a quantum human, urging a methodological and philosophical reorientation in social science inquiry.