Physics Faculty Publications

Title

Schrödinger’s Cat and Divine Action: Some Comments on the Use of Quantum Uncertainty to Allow for God’s Action in the World

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2002

Publication Source

Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science

Abstract

present results of recent work in the field of quantum optics and relate this work to discussions about the theory of quantum mechanics and God's divine action in the world. Experiments involving atomic decay, relevant to event uncertainty in quantum mechanics, as well as experiments aimed at elucidating the so–called Schrödinger’s–cat paradox, help clarify apparent ambiguities or paradoxes that I believe are at the heart of renewed attempts to locate God within our constructed physical theories and tend to narrow the gaps proposed as an opening for divine action. Some problems arise because of imprecise use of nonmathematical language to force quantum mechanics into an intuitive “classical” framework.

Inclusive pages

909-924

ISBN/ISSN

1467-9744

Publisher

Joint Publication Board of Zygon

Volume

37

Issue

4

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

determinism, divine action, measurement, quantum chaos, quantum mechanics, realism, Schrödinger's cat

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