QUANTUM METAPHYSICS - E-thesis

4.2. New features connected with quantum mechanics
Quantum theory by itself has not been able to solve the problems connected with its ontological
and epistemological interpretation, something which can scarcely be expected from physical
theories. For example, the problem of dualism related to the description of waves and particles is
simply hidden behind a mathematical structure. 491 Closer in-depth analysis of the theory and
experimental results – as well as the already mentioned development of quantum field theory –
has revealed many other features which cannot be explained within the classical physics
mechanistic-deterministic framework. Clear understanding of these new features requires a
deeper interpretation of the theory, which for its part, in the last resort, may demand unequivocal
answers to questions connected with the nature of mathematical description and reality.
As will be presented in greater detail in Section 4.4., the Copenhagen interpretation considered
that quantum theory demanded a radical renewal of the classical conception of reality. A
profound metaphysical reassessment is also not a source of alarm to Sunny Y. Auyang, who in
his How is Quantum Theory Possible? from a realist foundation strives to examine the
conception of reality that physicists associate with quantum field theory. He describes the
general way of thinking about quantum field theory as follows:
"Going from classical mechanics to quantum field theory, the focus of physics
changes from locomotion to dynamical interaction. The primary form of matter
changes from discrete mass points in empty space to continuous fields comprising
discrete events. The primary dynamical concepts change from action-at-a-distance
to coupling-on-the-spot, from external forces to interactions generated by the
interactants themselves."
"A field is a whole, but contrary to its popular image it is not amorphous. A field is
a genuine whole comprising genuine individuals, a continuous world with discrete
and concrete entities, technically called events. The discreteness of the events and
their mutual interaction are both clearly articulated." 492
Auyang believes that the quantum field concept brings new insight to the difficult philosophical
problem of the relationship between part and whole. It is his view that most philosophical
theories have tension between individuals and the community to which they belong: they have
difficulties accounting for the interdependence of the entity and the whole which results in the
dominance of one and the sacrifice of the other. It can be argued with some justification that
491 Heisenberg 1958, 40.
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