Multicriteria Algorithms with Applications

Modern Physics and Hyperrealism-antirealism Tendency

Victor Christianto, Florentín Smarandache

Published Nov 19, 2024• 0 citations

Abstract

This paper delves into the philosophical implications of modern physics, particularly theoretical physics, and its tendency towards hyperrealism-antirealism. Inspired by Baudrillard's concept of hyperreality, we argue that certain aspects of contemporary physics, such as the interpretation of quantum mechanics and the pursuit of theories of everything, exhibit characteristics of a hyperreal state. This hyperreal state is characterized by the detachment from reality, the dominance of simulation over the real, and the loss of a clear distinction between the real and the imaginary. We explore how this trend has led to a departure from a balanced realist perspective, hindering the pursuit of a complete and coherent understanding of the physical world.

DOI: 10.61356/j.mawa.2024.5428

Related papers

Some Consequences of the Positivistic Interpretation of Physics

A. V. Bushkovitch

The prevailing philosophical mood among those physicists today whose interests are mainly in the field of modern atomic theory, is some form of positivism. This is true not only of the leaders in the field of quantum mechanics, as for instance Heisenberg, Jordan, and Dirac, in whose writings on the philosophical aspects of the recent revolutionary advances in physics the positivistic tendency is clearly visible, but also of the rank and file of competent students of the modern quantum theory.

Philosophy of ScienceJan 1, 19401 citation

Scientific Realism and the Quantum

French, Steven, Saatsi, Juha

Scientific realism has traditionally maintained that our best scientific theories can be regarded as more or less true and as representing the world as it is (more or less). However, one of our very best current theories—quantum mechanics—has famously resisted such a realist construal, threatening to undermine the realist stance altogether. The chapters in this volume carefully examine this tension and the reasons behind it, including the underdetermination generated by the multiplicity of formulations and interpretations of quantum physics, each presenting a different way the world could be. Authors in this volume offer a range of alternative ways forward: some suggest new articulations of realism, limiting our commitments in one way or another; others attempt to articulate a ‘third way’ between traditional forms of realism and antirealism, or are critical of such attempts. Still others argue that quantum theory itself should be reconceptualised, or at least alternative formulations should be considered in the hope of evading the problems faced by realism. And some examine the nature of these issues when moving beyond quantum mechanics to quantum field theory. Taken together they offer an exciting new set of perspectives on one of the most fundamental questions in the philosophy of modern physics: how can one be a realist about quantum theory, and what does this realism amount to?

Oxford University Press eBooksFeb 27, 202062 citations

Fundamental Dilemmas in Theoretical Physics

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.

arXiv:1405.5530May 22, 20141 citation

Prospects for realism in quantum mechanics

J. R. Lucas

Quantum mechanics has seemed to defy all attempts to construe it realistically, but antirealism, like the many‐worlds hypothesis, is even more difficult to accept. In order to give a realist construal of quantum mechanics, we need first to distinguish the objective and rational aspect of reality from the paradigmatic thing‐like aspects of having determinate physical properties: quantum‐mechanical entities may be real in the former sense though not in the latter. Anti‐realist arguments are based on the difficulty of giving an account of quantum‐mechanical collapse and the apparent superluminal velocities involved. Objections to superluminal velocities on the score of the special theory of relativity are found not to be conclusive, and the price—there being some preferred frame of reference—to be acceptable. A sketch of a probabilistic account of quantum‐mechanical collapse is offered, which makes the difference between the macro‐ and the micro‐world a matter of degree rather than kind. If that, or some other, account proved acceptable, we could be quantum‐mechanical realists, though quantum‐mechanical reality would be very different from that of material objects in hardware shops.

International Studies in the Philosophy of ScienceOct 1, 19953 citations

Objectivity, Causality and Ideology in Modern Physics

Derek Lovejoy

Philosophical relativism, which denies objectivity and undermines causality, has been a constant feature of ideological struggle in this century, especially in mystifying science and undercutting belief in social progress through scientific understanding. Surprisingly, while the relativist attack has been led by culture critics, they have been able to claim support from the writings of some of the leading scientists themselves, especially in quantum theory. While current quantum theory yields a highly accurate representation of reality, it has been interpreted to deny objectivity and causality. Einstein fought throughout his life against these relativist interpretations, associated especially with the views of Bohr and Heisenberg. It is only in the last few years that Einstein has been largely vindicated by new experimental and theoretical developments, and by a fuller understanding of how the Copenhagen interpretation of Bohr came to dominate the conventional wisdom.

Science & SocietyOct 1, 19996 citations

Quantum Physics: From Imaginary to Reality

Isabella Taylor

Quantum physics has long occupied a space between imagination and reality, captivating scientists and philosophers with its strange, counterintuitive principles: superposition, entanglement, uncertainty, and nonlocality. What once appeared as hypothetical mathematics now manifests in real technologies—lasers, semiconductors, superconductors, atomic clocks, MRI machines, and emerging quantum computers. This mini-review traces the conceptual journey of quantum physics from an abstract theory born in early twentieth-century thought experiments to a practical framework shaping modern engineering, computation, communication, and materials science. It highlights key developments in interpretation, experimental validation, and application, while reflecting on how quantum physics reshapes our understanding of nature, reality, and information. Although quantum mechanics remains philosophically perplexing, it has become a powerful and indispensable foundation for technological innovation. By examining how imaginary constructs transitioned into concrete implementations, this article illustrates the remarkable interplay between theory and experiment that continues to redefine what is possible.

Science InsightsDec 29, 20250 citations