Limits to the Universality of Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper challenges the universality of quantum mechanics by examining its limitations in studying living organisms, highlighting fundamental differences and the need to consider origins of life and universe.

Contribution

It critically analyzes Bohr's arguments and questions the applicability of quantum methodology to biological systems and the origins of life.

Findings

Significant differences exist between living organisms and systems studied in physics.

Quantum methods may not fully apply to biological systems without considering origins.

Bohr's arguments support the limits of quantum mechanics in life sciences.

Abstract

Niels Bohr's arguments indicating the non-applicability of quantum methodology to the study of the ultimate details of life given in his book "Atomic physics and human knowledge" conflict with the commonly held opposite view. The bases for the usual beliefs are examined and shown to have little validity. Significant differences do exist between the living organism and the type of system studied successfully in the physics laboratory. Dealing with living organisms in quantum-mechanical terms with the same degree of rigour as is normal for non-living systems would seem not to be possible without considering also questions of the origins of life and of the universe.