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If I can add a reading recommendation to Allin's (which I second), there is
also a non-stochastic vision of quantum mechanics, developed by David Bohm.
It is alleged to have some currency amongst physicists these days, though
generally speaking it is the "heterodoxy" to the Copenhagen orthodoxy.
The best reference is:
Albert, D.Z., 1992. <$[Publication>Quantum mechanics and
experience<$]Publication>, Harvard University Press, Cambridge
Massachusetts.
but there's also a shorter version:
1994. “Bohm’s alternative to Quantum Mechanics”, <$[Publication>Scientific
American<$]Publication>, <$[Volume>270 <$]Volume> No. 5: 32-39.
I don't know what has happened to this idea since string theory--but at
least it shows that even Physics needed embrace idealism!
Cheers,
Steve
>From: Allin Cottrell <cottrell@wfu.edu>
>Reply-To: ope-l@galaxy.csuchico.edu
>To: ope-l@galaxy.csuchico.edu
>Subject: [OPE-L:3508] Re: Marxism and 19th century materialism
>Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 21:43:48 -0400 (EDT)
>
>I agree wholeheartedly with most of Paul C's posting 3507.
>My only disagreement is with his take on the "Copenhagen
>interpretation" of quantum theory:
>
> > Our blessed delivery from 19th century materialism by the
> > Copenhagen interpretation is a delivery from the demons of
> > Darwinian atheism and atheistic communism.
>
>I don't believe that Niels Bohr had any such "delivery" in mind
>when he formulated his philosophical gloss on the scientific
>discoveries in which he played so large a part. He was
>struggling honestly with the implications of the new quantum
>findings, without any prior commitment to philosophical
>idealism. (I do agree, however, that later commentators --
>lacking Bohr's intimate knowledge of the actual physics -- have
>taken the "Copenhagen interpretation" as a springboard for
>instrumentalist and idealist musings.)
>
>On this topic I recommend P. K. Feyerabend's "Realism,
>Rationalism and Scientific Method" (Philosophical Papers,
>Vol. 1) Cambridge, 1981, especially the essay "Niels Bohr's
>world view".
>
>Allin Cottrell.
>
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