Q&A: The Effect of Quantum Theory on Reality
The Effect of Quantum Theory on Reality
Question
I’m not well versed in physics, so I hope the question doesn’t contain any serious mistakes.
I read somewhere in your words that although at the atomic level there is some randomness / a number of different possibilities for a given state according to quantum theory, this has no effect at the macro level.
I understand that this is true, for example, regarding the motion of an inanimate object: since probabilistically most of the molecules will behave in a certain way, the small deviations won’t matter. But what if we talk about areas in biology like the formation of mutations, where it is enough for a single nucleotide to be in a different spatial conformation because some electron moved in it to an unexpected place, and because of that it is not copied properly, and then there is a mutation that could, for example, cause cancer.
I also read articles that discuss the influence of quantum theory in the field of molecular biology. And perhaps this is relevant in all kinds of situations where a small change can alter the whole picture.
Answer
I’m not sufficiently knowledgeable in biology, so I don’t know how to answer. In general, the micro level does not affect the macro level in most cases. I know there are claims about quantum effects in biology, but on the face of it that sounds very strange to me. But as I said, I’m not sufficiently knowledgeable.
Discussion on Answer
It depends on what level you mean.
Were it not for quantum mechanics, all the electrons would collapse into the atom and everything would be destroyed.
And beyond that, there are biological processes (a few are known) in which quantum mechanics comes into play—photosynthesis, for which there have recently even been new discoveries in the field.
So there is randomness in nature that ultimately affects the macro level as well?
There is, in very extreme and unique situations (and at low temperatures), such as in liquids and conductors. The same is true, in a certain sense, regarding semiconductor phenomena. But usually there is no such effect.
"Avishai" and "Decisor," could you elaborate and point to sources for laypeople (something in the style of the "Hayadan" website)?
From what I understand, there is a gap between what you are writing and what Michi is writing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_biology
https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_biology
I’d be glad if this topic developed further in this thread.
In books like "The Science of Freedom" it says that there is no true randomness in nature, for the reasons Michi mentioned here.
If it nevertheless turns out that there is a possibility of randomness that can have enormous consequences (whether a person will get a serious illness or not), I think it would be worthwhile to try discussing it here.