The Research Group “Physics and Humanities”, based in the Brazilian Center of Physics Research (BCPR), has worked on building dialogues between Physics and Humanities, particularly regarding philosophical questions applied to quantum mechanics (QM). The present article intends to establish the relationship between questions concerning the discussion on chance versus necessity — in the context of ancient atomism — and the most recent theories on the nature of matter and the general state of the universe, notably the implications that the proposition of a unified theory of the world presents for the debate on determinism versus indetermination.
The Research Group “Physics and Humanities”, based in the Brazilian Center of Physics Research (BCPR), has worked on building dialogues between Physics and Humanities, particularly regarding philosophical questions applied to quantum mechanics (QM). The present article intends to establish the relationship between questions concerning the discussion on chance versus necessity — in the context of ancient atomism — and the most recent theories on the nature of matter and the general state of the universe, notably the implications that the proposition of a unified theory of the world presents for the debate on determinism versus indetermination.
Among the philosophical issues raised by quantum theory, the alleged indeterminism of quantum-physical phenomena, as opposed to the determinism of classical physics, has stood at the center of discussion. There are various other much-debated problems which are directly or indirectly related to this issue or, more generally, the probabilistic character of quantum theory. Less attention has been paid to the questions of the stability of atoms and the specificity of their properties, which quantum theory was primarily designed to resolve. I argue that the indeterminism of quantum theory becomes less intriguing and can be better comprehended when seen in the light of these questions - or briefly, that “stability implies indeterminism, or chance.” Chance, in this respect, appears as an objective and legitimate mode of succession of otherwise stable and discrete well-determined states of certain physical systems.
O Grupo de Pesquisa “Física e Humanidades”, radicado no Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas (CBPF), vem trabalhando na construção de diálogos entre a física e as ciências humanas, especialmente nas questões filosóficas aplicadas à mecânica quântica (MQ). No presente artigo, pretende-se estabelecer uma relação entre indagações atinentes ao debate acaso versus necessidade — no contexto do atomismo antigo — com as teorias mais recentes sobre a natureza da matéria e sobre o estado geral do Universo, sobretudo as implicações que a proposição de uma teoria unificada sobre a ordem do mundo possui para o debate determinismo versus indeterminação.
Abstract Uses a historical approach to explore the extent to which quantum theory mandates indeterminism. Drawing on important examples in the history of physics, it discusses explicitly the crucial distinction – often overlooked in the philosophical literature – between indeterminacy of physical quantities and causal indeterminism. It pursues at a more sophisticated level, issues raised in Ch. 2 concerning determinism and indeterminism in modern science. It concludes that quantum indeterminacy is an objective feature of the world, but that the jury is still out regarding quantum indeterminism.
This paper examines the deep and enduring relationship between physics and philosophy, a connection that has shaped the trajectory of human inquiry from antiquity to the present. By tracing their shared historical roots, the paper emphasizes how early philosophical speculations laid the groundwork for scientific reasoning. Despite the modern institutional separation of these two disciplines, physics continues to grapple with questions that are fundamentally philosophical in nature, questions concerning the essence of time, space, causality, determinism, and the very nature of reality. The paper explores the epistemological structures that underpin scientific knowledge, such as the criteria for theory confirmation and falsifiability, and investigates the ontological assumptions embedded in classical and modern physics. Special attention is devoted to paradigm shifts in the history of science, including the contributions of figures such as Aristotle, Newton, Popper, and Kuhn, as well as the radical implications of quantum mechanics and general relativity. Through an analysis of contemporary debates, such as those surrounding interpretations of quantum mechanics, the multiverse, and the conceptual validity of string theory, the paper argues that philosophy remains indispensable for critically examining and contextualizing scientific thought. Far from being obsolete, philosophical reflection serves as a compass for navigating the conceptual challenges of physics. Ultimately, the dialogue between philosophy and physics is presented as a dynamic and reciprocal exchange, one that not only enriches both fields but is also necessary for advancing our understanding of the universe.
This paper examines the deep and enduring relationship between physics and philosophy, a connection that has shaped the trajectory of human inquiry from antiquity to the present. By tracing their shared historical roots, the paper emphasizes how early philosophical speculations laid the groundwork for scientific reasoning. Despite the modern institutional separation of these two disciplines, physics continues to grapple with questions that are fundamentally philosophical in nature, questions concerning the essence of time, space, causality, determinism, and the very nature of reality. The paper explores the epistemological structures that underpin scientific knowledge, such as the criteria for theory confirmation and falsifiability, and investigates the ontological assumptions embedded in classical and modern physics. Special attention is devoted to paradigm shifts in the history of science, including the contributions of figures such as Aristotle, Newton, Popper, and Kuhn, as well as the radical implications of quantum mechanics and general relativity. Through an analysis of contemporary debates, such as those surrounding interpretations of quantum mechanics, the multiverse, and the conceptual validity of string theory, the paper argues that philosophy remains indispensable for critically examining and contextualizing scientific thought. Far from being obsolete, philosophical reflection serves as a compass for navigating the conceptual challenges of physics. Ultimately, the dialogue between philosophy and physics is presented as a dynamic and reciprocal exchange, one that not only enriches both fields but is also necessary for advancing our understanding of the universe.
Background. The author tries to identify the connection between the phenomena of quantum physics and the philosophical concepts of "fate", "free will" and "time". By examining how the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics challenges classical deterministic views, and bridging the gap between modern physics and age-old philosophical debates, the author seeks to offer a nuanced understanding of these fundamental concepts Methods. The investigation employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating scientific theories and discoveries alongside religious and philosophical perspectives. Various viewpoints and schools of thought are considered, spanning both Western scientific frameworks and Eastern philosophical traditions, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the topic. Results. The positions of total determinism and indeterminism are compared, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. It delves into the parallels between Buddhist philosophy and contemporary quantum theory, suggesting that both share common ground in their understanding of reality. Additionally, the concept of creationism is examined within the context of quantum mechanics. Conclusions. The exploration reveals that the concepts of fate and free will, and their relationship with time, are deeply intertwined with the existence of a hidden quantum reality. This hidden reality, characterized by the inherent uncertainties and probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, challenges the deterministic worldview upheld by classical physics. The investigation highlights that the interconnectedness of fate and free will with our understanding of time is profoundly influenced by the quantum realm, which introduces complexities such as the "measurement problem." As a result, the deterministic predictability of classical physics is replaced by a framework where probabilities and potentialities govern the behavior of particles. The study concludes that acknowledging the existence of this hidden quantum reality necessitates a re-evaluation of traditional notions of fate, free will, and time, suggesting that these concepts are more fluid and interconnected than previously thought. By bridging the gap between quantum theory and philosophical inquiry, the exploration offers new insights into the nature of reality and human agency, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the universe and our place within it.