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Bridging the Gap: Does Closure to Efficient Causation Entail Quantum-Like Attributes?

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Abstract

This paper explores the similarities between the conceptual structure of quantum theory and relational biology as developed within the Rashevsky-Rosen-Louie school of theoretical biology. With this aim, generalized quantum theory and the abstract formalism of (M,R)-systems are briefly presented. In particular, the notion of organizational invariance and relational identity are formalized mathematically and a particular example is given. Several quantum-like attributes of Rosen’s complex systems such as complementarity and nonseparability are discussed. Taken together, this work emphasizes the possible role of self-referentiality and impredicativity in quantum theory.

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Abbreviations

CEC:

Closure to efficient causation

GQT:

Generalized quantum theory

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Acknowledgments

I thank Prof. Harald Walach and Prof. Thomas Filk, for the time they have devoted to explain and clarify to me many of the philosophical and technical issues related to Generalized Quantum Theory. I thank Dr. Nikolaus von Stillfried, for his continuous encouragement and support. I also thank my wife, for her lovely support while I was working for and writing this paper. Special thanks to Dr. Aloisius Louie, current “torch bearer” of the school of relational biology, for being together with Prof. Robert Rosen’s scientific legacy, a great source of inspiration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Evaluation Research of Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacherstraße 115b, 79106, Freiburg, Germany

    José Raúl Naranjo

  2. Institute of Biology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

    José Raúl Naranjo

  3. Epilepsy Center, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

    José Raúl Naranjo

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  1. José Raúl Naranjo
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Correspondence to José Raúl Naranjo.

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Naranjo, J.R. Bridging the Gap: Does Closure to Efficient Causation Entail Quantum-Like Attributes?. Axiomathes 21, 315–330 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10516-011-9146-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10516-011-9146-z

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