Ontological Escalation: How Quantum Theory Vindicates Aristotle (original) (raw)

The greatest challenge to the fundamental reality of human agency comes from physicalism—more specifically, microphysicalism. Defenders of physicalism (e.g., Brian McLaughlin, Jaegwon Kim, David Papineau) often point to the ontological reduction of chemistry to quantum physics as a paradigm for the reduction of the rest of reality (including the biological, psychological, and social) to a microphysical foundation. This argument is based, however, on a profound misreading of the philosophical significance of the quantum revolution. A hylomorphic interpretation of quantum theory, in which parts and wholes stand in a mutually determining relationship, fits the both the empirical facts and the actual practice of scientists much better than microphysical imperialism. The “emergence” (or, as I prefer, “ontological escalation”) of chemistry from physics provides a useful model for thinking about the hierarchical dynamic structure of nature.

Sign up for access to the world's latest research.

checkGet notified about relevant papers

checkSave papers to use in your research

checkJoin the discussion with peers

checkTrack your impact