Realism at the Basement of Reality?

I’m definitely not a theoretical physicist. I’m also not a philosopher. I do have a doctorate in theology in addition to my medical degree. So, it makes sense for me to comment on something for which I have no real handle on…quantum mechanics. I do understand some of its concepts, and I know enough basic calculus to understand simple aspects of this important part of physics.

I have been fascinated for a long time regarding interpretations of quantum mechanics. I am not a determinist (although perhaps the atoms in my brain are spinning in a deterministic manner since the Big Bang to make me think I am not a determinist).

I find the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics satisfying in a subjective sense when not just considering the mathematical aspects of it. I know Albert Einstein was not a fan of this interpretation. He was mechanical all the way down. He was clear that God “does not play dice“. However, if there is no way to separate a particle from a wave throughout the universe unless observed — whatever “observed” means — then I think reality, at its most fundamental level, has some degree of randomness.

If reality has some degree of randomness, I can make two theological claims:

1. God is not deterministic. Thus, God does not force determinism on the universe.
2. If God is love and God wants creativity / novelty which is the output of God’s love, then God can lure for the “the good” which I would define as more creativity. This lure is the still, small voice and not a demanding, authoritative command.

I want to make the statement that this randomness at the quantum level is actually realism and not idealism. This would work with a theological idea of God who wants all levels of creation to have some control over outcomes without God’s involvement (although God can “lure”). A great journal article on the concept of a divine lure is here.

Per Realism and Anti-Realism (Brock and Mares, Taylor and Francis Publishing):

“…scientific theories themselves sometimes explicitly use the concepts of and quantify over the objects of particular mathematical theories. For example, the following passage is taken from a popular textbook in quantum mechanics:

Postulate 4.1 For every dynamical system there exists a wave function that is a continuous, integratable, single-valued function of the parameters of the system and of time, and from which all possible predictions of the physical properties of the system can be obtained. This is the first postulate of quantum mechanics. It postulates the existence of a certain sort of function – a Schrödinger wave function – for each physical system (an electron, an atom, etc.). This function has certain features, such as being continuous and integratable, that are defined in a particular mathematical theory: calculus.“

Hence, wave-particle duality fits well into a continuous system in which outcomes can be statistically determined although it is helpful if the system being measured has boundedness. Infinities are impossible with integration. This mathematical stopping point regarding infinities suggests a limit to creativity. This limit (or limits) persists despite creativity (randomness potential) at the base of all reality.

The limit is lim Δ (a theological term which I invented) discussed in prior posts and in my recently published book. In lim Δ, all levels of nature can freely impose limits despite God wanting continuing creativity. Limits put in place by nature are part of God’s love which desires freedom of creativity in all of nature. If nature freely puts in place a natural limit, so be it.

An understanding of science can help change our theological models about God’s interactions in the world in helpful ways. Science advances; theology must adapt to advancements in science to help in our understanding of God, humanity, and humanity’s place in the universe.

By the way, Neils Bohr’s response to Einstein’s comment: “”Stop telling God what to do.” ; )

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