QUANTUM METAPHYSICS - E-thesis

such strict divisions are unnecessary. When the describing human being is clearly located in
reality, ontological and epistemological aspects become intertwined. The aim of describing
reality and the capability of doing it become part of human nature. Inter-subjectively-verified
(complementary) descriptions give us real knowledge concerning reality, even though they are
not final truths and cannot represent the whole of reality in an exhaustive manner. Description
and practice, rationalism and empiricism cannot be unequivocally divided and this is why the
tension between them could not be settled in a satisfactory manner within the mechanisticdeterministic
frame of reference. In the quantum framework, denial of the dichotomy between
matter and spirit does not need to mean traditional Materialism or Idealism. Our mental states
may be both real and causally-relevant, but they do not need to be reduced to material processes
in an external world.
5.2.1. The abstract reality of state functions
Many of the unexpected characteristics of quantum mechanics can be traced back to the new
description of state based on the complex wave-function. The wave-function is the most
important term in quantum theory and the biggest problem in discussions of the theory has been
interpretation of this complex entity, something which can never be directly observed. Some
scientists think the wave-function is no more than a mathematical tool or instrument which is
suitable for predicting the actual outcomes we observe. Others argue that the wave-function
refers to some kind of transcendental quantum level. In any case, the wave-function is
responsible for both the non-local and the statistical constitution of quantum physics. With this
new description of state, some kind of indivisibility, internal spontaneity and change appear to be
an unavoidable component of reality.
It is no longer possible to interpret the mathematical theories of modern physics as describing
material particles moving in space-time, which in turn means that the particle-mechanistic idea
suggested by the ancient Atomists has failed. Modern physics has demonstrated that the longheld
ontological view concerning the foundation of reality is false. Unfortunately, the
falsification of previous hypotheses as such does not suffice for the offering of a new ontological
model which suits the new theories. The mathematical symbols and abstract physical theories
suitable for predicting some observable outcomes do not carry with them a direct and clear
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