Quantum Particles as Conceptual Entities: A Possible Explanatory Framework for Quantum Theory (1004.2530v1)

Abstract: We put forward a possible new interpretation and explanatory framework for quantum theory. The basic hypothesis underlying this new framework is that quantum particles are conceptual entities. More concretely, we propose that quantum particles interact with ordinary matter, nuclei, atoms, molecules, macroscopic material entities, measuring apparatuses, ..., in a similar way to how human concepts interact with memory structures, human minds or artificial memories. We analyze the most characteristic aspects of quantum theory, i.e. entanglement and non-locality, interference and superposition, identity and individuality in the light of this new interpretation, and we put forward a specific explanation and understanding of these aspects. The basic hypothesis of our framework gives rise in a natural way to a Heisenberg uncertainty principle which introduces an understanding of the general situation of 'the one and the many' in quantum physics. A specific view on macro and micro different from the common one follows from the basic hypothesis and leads to an analysis of Schrodinger's Cat paradox and the measurement problem different from the existing ones. We reflect about the influence of this new quantum interpretation and explanatory framework on the global nature and evolutionary aspects of the world and human worldviews, and point out potential explanations for specific situations, such as the generation problem in particle physics, the confinement of quarks and the existence of dark matter.

Quantum Particles as Conceptual Entities: A Possible Explanatory Framework for Quantum Theory

The paper presents a novel interpretation of quantum theory, positing that quantum particles can be understood as conceptual entities. This framework proposes an analogy between the interaction of quantum particles with ordinary matter and the interaction of human concepts with memory structures. The work revisits foundational aspects of quantum theory, such as entanglement, non-locality, interference, and individuality, through this interpretative lens.

Entanglement and Concept Combination

In the proposed framework, entanglement and non-locality are understood through the lens of conceptual combination. The paper elucidates how the combination of concepts naturally results in entanglement-like phenomena. It draws parallels between the mathematical descriptions of entangled quantum states and the combinatory nature of human concepts. This presupposes a non-classical structure governing the interactions between quantum particles and suggests that the violation of Bell's inequalities can be naturally explained by the non-product nature of these conceptual probabilities.

Interference and Conceptual Superposition

The paper further explores interference within this framework by examining the interaction between concepts such as 'Fruits' and 'Vegetables'. The superposition principle, a pillar of quantum mechanics, is represented here as a cognitive process where the human mind fluctuates between conceptual states similar to quantum superpositions. The resulting interference patterns reflect the dynamic reconfiguration of these concepts relative to contextual changes, which aligns with the behavior observed in quantum interference experiments.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Reimagined

The hypothesis introduces an understanding of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle from the perspective of abstract versus concrete conceptual states. Just as quantum mechanics restricts the precision with which pairs of physical properties can be known, the framework suggests a similar limitation in human cognition concerning the abstraction and concretization of concepts.

Implications for Identity and Individuality

The paper makes bold suggestions concerning quantum identity and individuality, pointing out significant analogous behavior in human concepts. It considers how identical particles exhibit statistics reminiscent of conceptual entities that lack intrinsic individuality, drawing a contrast with classical entities. This analysis extends to the notion of quantum statistics, where the framework supports a natural emergence of Bose-Einstein-like distributions for concepts, aligning with the symmetric properties of bosonic states.

Potential Impact and Future Outlook

The implications of this interpretive framework are vast, both for theoretical physics and cognitive sciences. It offers a unified perspective that could bridge concepts in quantum mechanics with cognitive phenomena, potentially influencing fields such as quantum information theory and artificial intelligence. The framework predicts a cultural and scientific evolution analogous to the co-evolution of quantum particles and classical matter, proposing a reevaluation of how quantum systems are understood within the macroscopic world.

In future work, this framework may provide insights into resolving longstanding quantum paradoxes, such as wave-particle duality and Schrödinger's Cat, while advancing our comprehension of quantum entanglement in cognitive systems. Additionally, it posits intriguing theoretical pathways, including the hypothesis that dark matter may represent non-baryonic entities analogous to unused or non-communicative conceptual states, further proposing new exploration grounds in both particle physics and semiotics.