Process Philosophy, Optimalism And Free Will In Quantum Theory

Process Philosophy, Optimalism And Free Will In Quantum Theory

Cynthia Sue Larson

ABSTRACT:  This  paper  explores  how  process  philosophy —and  in  particular  an  optimalism process  philosophy  that  includes  free  will,  such  as  Henry  Stapp's  realistically  interpreted  orthodox  quantum  theory—proves  to  be  an  excellent  fit  for  quantum  theory  that  answers  the  philosophical  question  “Why  are  things  the  way  they  are,  instead  of  otherwise?”    Viewing  reality  as  a  matter  of  optimalism  is  one  of  four  practicable  responses  to  this  question,  which  requires linking Nature to existence. Henry Stapp's realistically interpreted orthodox quantum theory meets this requirement by asserting that when a question is asked, “the thought itself is the  thinker,”  in  keeping  with  the  views  of  James  and  Whitehead.  In  this  process,  an  ensuing  succession of questions arising in the minds of observers is received and responded to by Nature that  chooses  and  implements  responses  in  accordance  with  Born's  Rule  in  a  physically  described universe represented by evolving quantum mechanics states.

Do you have any ideas how Born's rule would interact with " the thinker"? Or is it part and parcel with nature?

Do you have any ideas how Born's rule would interact with " the thinker"? Or is it part and parcel with nature?

Apologies - never saw this question!

I might have an answer for you in a bit, but I am playing catch up in both physics and Whitehead...