ERIC Number: EJ979480
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Oct
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 24
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0926-7220
Does Quantum Physics Refute Realism, Materialism and Determinism?
Bunge, Mario
Science & Education, v21 n10 p1601-1610 Oct 2012
It is argued that the correct answer to the three questions in the title is "no": that the theses being denied derive from traditional philosophy, not from the way the quantum theories are used. For example, the calculation of the energy spectrum of an atom assumes the autonomous existence of the atom, rather than its dependence upon the observer. However, it is also suggested that the problem has been unnecessarily complicated by a careless use of the terms "realism," "materialism," and "determinism." Precise definitions of these words are proposed.
Descriptors: Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Science Education, Theories, College Science, Questioning Techniques, Scientific Concepts, Energy, Computation, Definitions, Science Instruction
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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