Physics as Modern Mathematics: From Relativity to Quantum Theory, and Beyond

Cécile de Witt-Morette

Hisham B. Ghassib

In this paper, we argue that there are foundational dilemmas in theoretical physics related to the concept of reality and the nature of mathematics in physics. Physical theory is treated as a conceptual organism which develops under the weight of its internal contradictions. The paper discusses in depth the problem of objective reality in physics and its relation to scientific practice. Then, it explores the problematic relation between physical meaning and mathematics in modern physical theory, followed by a discussion of the trend of contemporary physics to replace physical principles with pure mathematical principles. Finally, it discusses the problem of logical coherence in modern physical theory. The paper emphasizes the importance of resolving these dilemmas to the proper practice of theoretical physics.

Sadri Hassani

Quantum physics and relativity are the two pillars of modern physics. Often in this context, the word “modern” is misused as an antonym of “classical.” The abstract and mathematical nature of both quantum and relativity theories makes them easy target for abuse in the hands of the purveyors of mysticism. We shall see some detailed examples of the abuse of quantum theory in Chapter 35. It will be shown there how New Age authors misrepresent quantum physics to their readers and use some twisted interpretation of the theory to advocate a parallel between quantum physics and Eastern mysticism.

William A. Blanpied

Artur Mendes Kur

One of the still unresolved problems in modern physics is the conceptual gap between quantum mechanics and Newtonian classical physics. Quantum mechanics describes probabilistic and indeterminate systems, whereas classical physics describes stable and deterministic systems. This article proposes a preliminary ontological and philosophical framework to interpret the transition from the quantum to the classical state through the Theory of Quantum-Classical Crossover (TQCC). Rather than considering the two regimes as fundamentally distinct, the theory suggests they are stages of a single process: the gradual formation of physical reality from a state whose physical properties are not yet defined. The quantum-classical crossover is therefore not merely mathematical, but ontological. Although decoherence and coarse-graining are well-established mathematical formalisms, the Theory of Quantum-Classical Crossover provides a conceptual bridge between quantum indeterminacy and classical stability. It employs philosophical concepts as visual aids and integrates ideas such as Heisenberg’s potentia, Wheeler’s It from Bit, and Rovelli’s Relational Quantum Mechanics, suggesting that the binary state of matter is not only expected, but necessary. This ontological perspective may provide a conceptual bridge for understanding quantum-to-classical transitions beyond purely mathematical descriptions.