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Quantum Epistemology from Mimicry and Ambiguity

Han J.F. Geurdes

Published Jan 1, 2021• 1 citation
OpenAlex

Abstract

In the paper we look into the epistemology of quantum theory.The starting point is the previously established mathematical ambiguity.The perspective of our study is the way that Schro ¨dinger described Einstein's idea of physics epistemology.Namely, physical theory is a map with flags.Each flag must, according to Einstein in Schro ¨dinger's representation, correspond to a physical reality and vice versa.With the ambiguity transformed to quantum-like operators we are able to mimic quantum theory.Therefore we have created little flags.The question is raised whether nature itself is ambiguous.The created flags point at ambiguous nature.Or, nature is not ambiguous and the ambiguity can be repaired in mathematics.

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In the paper we look into the epistemology of quantum theory.The starting point is the previously established mathematical ambiguity.The perspective of our study is the way that Schro ¨dinger described Einstein's idea of physics epistemology.Namely, physical theory is a map with flags.Each flag must, according to Einstein in Schro ¨dinger's representation, correspond to a physical reality and vice versa.With the ambiguity transformed to quantum-like operators we are able to mimic quantum theory.Therefore we have created little flags.The question is raised whether nature itself is ambiguous.The created flags point at ambiguous nature.Or, nature is not ambiguous and the ambiguity can be repaired in mathematics.
This paper will present questions from three perspectives about Quantum Mechanics (QM): physics, epistemological, and metaphysical.The quantum phenomena do not fit with the parameters of classical physics, so a daily intuition on macroscopic world is dispensable when it is the quantum object investigated.This physical domain induces a new thinking, which requires also new concepts to describe such object.The QM is disturbing and stimulates epistemological reflections, as the issues of access about what is known; and metaphysical theme are not to be left behind with regard to QM: What would the quantum object to?What is apprehended when this object is perceived, once considered the disturbing characteristics that constitute its physical description: interference and non-separability?What is its nature?This paper focuses briefly on the analysis of B. d'Espagnat in Veiled Reality, which would represent the physical perspective of QT; for epistemological questions, one will resort to the Kantian conception of knowledge; and with regard to the metaphysical perspective, we will rely on an article by Professor J. B. Arenhart.It is necessary to note that the question that pervades in this paper is about if the experience in QM is built.Thus, we will try to seek clarity on the philosophical issues through QT, regarding the problems about the possibility of knowledge of the quantum object and its nature, and whether experience in this case is built.But furthermore, the QM instigates us to think whether metaphysics proceeds on the investigation of nature when it comes to the QM.And such a question is more than to have as problem as the scope of the description of physical data, but rather whether it makes sense or whether metaphysical research is pertinent to the QM.
Beginning in 1900 with 1-iax Planck's hypothesis of quanta, physics has been embarked on a course which has raised serious questions about the true nature of physical reality, about the foundational assumptions and structures of science, and about the relationships between physical reality and physical theory. In particular, attempts to give a physical interpretation to quantum theory seem to result in "pictures" of nature which are paradoxical. A subatomic entity is described by the theory as exhibiting the properties and behavior of both particle-like phenomena and wave­like phenomena. Since it seems unreasonable that a single entity could be both a point-like mass and a wave spread out through a region of space, quantum theory would seem to be less than satisfactory or less than complete at the interpretational level. The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the underlying causes of this paradox. The dissertation proceeds by reviewing the development of quantum theory and the emergence of the paradox. Next, the prob­lem of physical interpretation is examined and several of the more significant existing interpretations are discussed and analyzed. Finally, the foundations of science and the general structure of scientific theory are examined in a search for the origins of the paradox. As a result of these investigations and analyses, it is con­cluded that the paradoxical nature of the physical interpretation of quantum theory is the consequence of certain paradigms and preconceptualizations about physical reality which have been incorporated into the theory at the foundational level. These fundamental assU14p­tions produce, within quantum theory, a forced marriage of the plenum and atomic views of physical reality. They also produce an ambiguity with respect to the nature of causality which is charaeteristic of the theory. These problems are reflected in the mathematical formalisms and physical concepts of the theory as well as in its meta­physical foundations. Lastly, methods of resoling the paradox are discussed. It is argued that a successful solution is possible, but that it would involve the creation of a new metaphor-an extension of the present language--which would lead science to a deeper, subquantum level in terms of which the present paradox would vanish.
The epistemological interpretation of quantum mechanics is still in an unacceptable status. This becomes obvious if looking on the variety of interpretations currently under discussion. However, the physical community together with philosophers seem not to be willing to really face the problem and to find an explanation for the oddness of the foundation of nature, as the mathematical treatment of quantum physics can be judged as finished and perfect for the use. The epistemology of quantum physics is often treated as a negligible side effect, not worth to put effort in, as any outcome will not affect the calculation results at all. For the sake of human curiosity and to get a better understanding of the universe we are living in, this attitude should be changed. A possibly interesting new approach is outlined in this article, which may help to adjust the focus.
This paper aims at clarifying the mechanism of using in building scientific laws since the early scientific beginning of the physical thinking. The paper shows that beauty is no more than consistency of the equation with what is required, and structure with everything symmetrical and beautiful. The sought, physics-wise, becomes super in quantum physics and super strings theory. Breaking this will either be a case of or a case of abnormality that ends up in nothing but itself. The paper stresses that the concept of symmetry is just an attempt of the human mind to impart its tools on nature. It is likely to almost be an intuition or an intuitive handling of logic. This raised some philosophical questions on the type of reality and the conformity of law to existence.
Philosophy of science and, more specifically, philosophy of quantum physics can be but special fields of a general philosophy of knowledge; and the problems arising in these fields can be evaluated properly only when they are seen under the perspective of the whole range of human knowledge. This paper deals with problems of quantum physics and, in particular, with the problem of scientific objects in quantum physics from the epistemological point of view previously defined in the author's books, A Philosophy of Science (1940) and The Basis and Structure of Knowledge (1948). The argument of the paper, however, has not been stated before in the direct and concise manner here attempted and may therefore contain elements of novelty even for those readers who are familiar with the books just mentioned.