Is the World Local or Nonlocal? Towards an Emergent Quantum Mechanics in the 21st Century

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of emergent quantum mechanics (EmQM) to unify quantum theory and general relativity by addressing their foundational metaphysical contradictions through the lens of emergence and complexity.

Contribution

It proposes that EmQM can provide a common metaphysical foundation to reconcile quantum mechanics and GRT, advancing towards a unified understanding of the cosmos.

Findings

Emergence may bridge quantum nonlocality and classical phenomena.

Metaphysical contradictions hinder unification of quantum theory and GRT.

EmQM offers a new perspective on the measurement problem.

Abstract

What defines an emergent quantum mechanics (EmQM)? Can new insight be advanced into the nature of quantum nonlocality by seeking new links between quantum and emergent phenomena as described by self-organization, complexity, or emergence theory? Could the development of a future EmQM lead to a unified, relational image of the cosmos? One key motivation for adopting the concept of emergence in relation to quantum theory concerns the persistent failure in standard physics to unify the two pillars in the foundations of physics: quantum theory and general relativity theory (GRT). The total contradiction in the foundational, metaphysical assumptions that define orthodox quantum theory versus GRT might render inter-theoretic unification impossible. On the one hand, indeterminism and non-causality define orthodox quantum mechanics, and, on the other hand, GRT is governed by causality and determinism. How could these two metaphysically-contradictory theories ever be reconciled? The present work argues that metaphysical contradiction necessarily implies physical contradiction. The contradictions are essentially responsible also for the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. A common foundation may be needed for overcoming the contradictions between the two foundational theories. The concept of emergence, and the development of an EmQM, might help advance a common foundation - physical and metaphysical - as required for successful inter-theory unification.