Quantum Mechanics: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action

This collection of fifteen essays explores the creative interaction among quantum physics, philosophy, and theology. This fine collection presents the results of the fifth international research conference co-sponsored by the Vatican Observatory, Rome, and the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkeley. The overarching goal of these conferences is to support the engagement of constructive theology with the natural sciences and to investigate the philosophical and theological elements in ongoing theoretical research in the natural sciences. In the first section of this collection, contributors examine scientific and historical context. Section two features essays covering a wide range of philosophical interpretations of quantum mechanics. The final set of essays explores the theological implications of quantum theory.

Contents:

Berry, Michael. “Chaos and the Semiclassical Limit of Quantum Mechanics (Is the Moon There When Somebody Looks?)"

Butterfield, Jeremy. “Some Worlds of Quantum Theory."

Chiao, Raymond Y. “Quantum Nonlocalities: Experimental Evidence."

Clarke, Chris. “The Histories Interpretation of Quantum Theory and the Problem of Human/Divine Action."

Clayton, Philip. “Tracing the Lines: Constraint and Freedom In the Movement from Quantum Physics to Theology."

Cushing, James T. “Determinism Versus Indeterminism in Quantum Mechanics: A “Free” Choice."

Ellis, George F.R. “Quantum Theory and the Macroscopic World."

Heller, Michael. “Generalizations: From Quantum Mechanics to God."

McMullin, Ernan. “Formalism and Ontology in Early Astronomy."

Polkinghorne, John. “Physical Process, Quantum Events, and Divine Agency."

Redhead, Michael. “The Tangled Story of Nonlocality in Quantum Mechanics."

Russell, Robert John. “Divine Action and Quantum Mechanics: A Fresh Assessment."

Shimony, Abner. “The Reality of the Quantum World."

Stoeger, William R. “Epistemological and Ontological Issues Arising from Quantum Theory."

Tracy, Thomas F. “Creation, Providence, and Quantum Chance."

Chapter Summaries