Philosophical Problems of Quantum Theory(1964)

Yu.M. Lomsadze

Supek, Ivan

Wojciech Piotr Grygiel

The current 50th issue of Philosophical Problems in Science (Zagadnienia Filozoficzne w Nauce) summarizes the efforts of both philosophers and scientists to understand how a broader philosophical context sets the stage for the development of scientific research, with physics playing a leading role. In particular, the paper reviews the content of the last twenty-five issues of the journal with an emphasis on the philosophical problems that arise in the practice of physics. The overview reveals that these problems reflect the main conceptual division in physics between the treatment of the micro-world described by quantum mechanics and the macro-world governed by the general theory of relativity. Both of these theories, taken separately, generate a host of philosophical concerns such as their proper interpretation (Bell’s Theorem and its consequences) or the meaning and the eventual validity of the notions of space and time. Other philosophical problems in physics, such as chaos and determinism, are also considered. The authors are well aware that the formulation of the future theory of quantum gravity will be a demanding task requiring profound philosophical reflection.

Werner Karl Heisenberg

Kyrian A. Ojong, Emmanuel Iniobong Archibong

Measurement problem in quantum theory is informed by the difficulties which howbeit, fall under philosophical investigation involving the behavior of sub-atomic particles, especially as it has to do with interaction between the mental and the physical. This problem dates back to antiquity with the belief in the duality of mind and body (mental and material) as distinct essences of nature. This paper is an attempt to highlight the issues involved in the measurement problem in quantum theory, while at the same time showing that the resultant paradoxes encountered in the process have always been present; they are just a resuscitation of ancient problems that philosophers have reflected upon as regards the description of physical reality. Key words: Measurement; Perception; Macro-world; Micro-world; Inclusion; Materialism and Idealism

Arthur I. Fine