RT Article
T1 Is There a Distinctive Quantum Theology?
JF Zygon
VO 58
IS 1
SP 265
OP 284
A1 Poon, W. C. K.
A1 McLeish, Tom 1962-2023
A2 McLeish, Tom 1962-2023
LA English
YR 2023
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1840914475
AB Quantum mechanics (QM) is a favorite area of physics to feature in “science and religion” discussions. We argue that this is at least partly because the arcane results of QM can be deployed to make big theological claims by the linguistic sleight of hand of “register switching”—sliding imperceptibly from technical into everyday language using the same vocabulary. We clarify the discussion by deploying the formal mapping of QM into classical statistical mechanics (CSM) via the mathematical device of “Wick rotation.” This equivalence between QM and CSM suggests caution in claiming distinctiveness for quantum theologizing. After outlining two areas in which quantum insights nevertheless resonate with longstanding themes in theological reflection (hiddenness and visualizability), we suggest that both QM and CSM point to a theology of science in which scientists participate in the divine gaze on creation as imago Dei.
K1 visualizability
K1 Theology
K1 statistical mechanics
K1 Science
K1 quantum mechanics
K1 Hiddenness
K1 Contemplation
DO 10.1111/zygo.12867