Quantum physics and philosophical problems

Abstract

The classical mode of description, applicable to objects of large scale, is based on the assumption of complete independence of physical processes from the observation conditions. This assumption leads to an abstraction, namely an absolutization of physical processes. A further “classical” abstraction is the assumption that the observations can be made, in principle, exact and complete. These abstractions, however, are limited by the Heisenberg-Bohr uncertainty relations. The quantum mode of description takes as starting point the actual possibilities of observation on atomic objects. The mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics permits the calculation of the probabilities of the results of interaction between the atomic object in a given state and a classically described measuring apparatus of a given type. In the investigation of atomic objects the measuring devices and the human senses with their corresponding organs of perception play a similar part; therefore, it is natural to include both in the category of “means of observation.” The necessity of considering the observational means as a separate category different from that of the atomic objects under investigation is a very significant feature from the point of view of the theory of knowledge.