Einstein and Tagore, Newton and Blake, Everett and Bohr: the dual nature of reality

TL;DR

This paper explores the dual nature of reality, proposing that both realist and idealist perspectives are compatible and necessary within the framework of quantum theory.

Contribution

It argues for the compatibility of opposing attitudes to reality and knowledge, emphasizing their joint necessity in understanding quantum phenomena.

Findings

Realist and idealist perspectives can coexist in interpreting reality.

Quantum theory necessitates adopting both material and mental viewpoints.

The paper offers a philosophical reconciliation of conflicting attitudes.

Abstract

There are two broad opposing classes of attitudes to reality (realist vs idealist, material vs mental) with corresponding attitudes to knowledge (objective vs subjective, scientific vs romantic). I argue that these attitudes can be compatible, and that quantum theory requires us to adopt both of them.