A RESPONSE TO CARL HELRICH: THE LIMITATIONS AND PROMISE OF QUANTUM THEORY

Author: Schäfer, Lothar

Source: Zygon, Volume 41, Number 3, September 2006 , pp. 583-592(10)

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Abstract:

I respond to Carl Helrich's criticism of my proposition that the emergence of complex order in the universe is from Virtual State Actualization (VSA). The question is discussed as to whether quantum theory is able to afford any kind of quantum ontology or whether it merely allows an epistemological view. I point out that, even though many contradictory interpretations of quantum theory are currently possible, the concept of VSA is based on molecular properties that are so simple and factual that they are beyond interpretation. Helrich's appeal for caution in proceeding from physical reality to Divine Reality is wholeheartedly supported and a detailed discussion is given.

Keywords: electron diffraction; emergence of complex order; immanent order; quantum ontology; quantum perspective of evolution; quantum state transitions; transcendent order; virtual state actualization; wave functions

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00760.x

Affiliations: 1: Edgar Wertheim Distinguished Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701;, Email: schafer@uark.edu.

Publication date: 2006-09-01