2026/07/31 by Sanjit Chakraborty, Sudip Bhattacharyya
Arts and Humanities · Physics and Astronomy · #Philosophy and History of Science #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Relativity and Gravitational Theory
paper · doi:10.1111/theo.70107
crossref issued 2026/07/31 · crossref published 2026/07/31 · crossref published-online 2026/07/31 · openalex publication_date 2026/07/31 · openalex created_date 2026/08/01 · crossref created 2026/08/01 · crossref deposited 2026/08/01 · crossref indexed 2026/08/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02
ABSTRACT The paper aims to bridge the history of quantum theory with its philosophical implications. The focus is not only on the scientific underpinnings of quantum mechanics (these theories emerged as ‘ad hoc’ responses to experimental anomalies) but also on the philosophical ramifications of its probabilistic nature and indeterminacy, which differ from classical realism. The paper examines Dirac's, Bell's, and modern views, focusing on how quantum mechanics (QM) challenges traditional notions of causality, objectivity, and truth while embracing epistemological and metaphysical perspectives. Debates over collapse theories and hidden variables are discussed, as well as Putnam's philosophical outlook, which includes his trenchant involvement with realism, logic, and the measurement problem. Finally, the paper proposes that QM represents a philosophical revolution that renews our understanding of reality, knowledge, and scientific explanation, rather than simply serving as a physical theory for assessing the prospects of quantum philosophy by connecting it to broader aspects such as relativity, causality, and scientific realism.