 
Book Reviews Quantum Philosophy: Understanding and Interpreting Contemporary Science By Roland Omnès Reviewed by Robert P. Mills August 17, 1999 |
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 Either
word of Roland Omnès' title is likely scare off many readers. In
combination they might scare off almost all. That's unfortunate. For
while a number of Omnès' assumptions and conclusions will be
rejected by evangelicals, the trajectories he traces have much to teach
contemporary Christians about a worldview that saturates much of modern
culture. Omnès' subtitle, "Understanding and Interpreting Contemporary Science," only hints at his showing how modern science, particularly quantum physics, "brings with it a theory of knowledge … that can explain how we humans understand the world." Parts one and two of Quantum Philosophy outline the history of math, physics and philosophy. These chapters are clearly written, generally steering clear of technical discussions in favor of highlighting key moments in the broad developments of these disciplines. Omnès, a professor of physics in Paris, frequently mentions important individuals or ideas that he will not fully discuss, a device that reminds his readers that it is not his intent "to go into the details of the history of science." Rather, his purpose is to show how these fields of study arrived at their modern manifestations to advance his ultimate aim of grounding philosophy (particularly epistemology) in quantum physics, of seeing "scientific knowledge so clearly established as to allow a return of philosophy to its pre-Socratic sources, finding in science its own foundations or its most fitting mold." 'Giving in to mental tics' In parts three and four, where Omnès attempts to anchor the pillars of human knowledge in the shifting sands of modern science, his work becomes less satisfying. In these chapters, science becomes the revealer of Reality; the laws of science become the ground of all being. Omnès identifies himself as a Christian. And Christians will surely note his use of religious terminology: Logos, revelation, mystery, wonder, paradox, perfection. Yet he specifically disapproves of both Aquinas and Barth. And he dismisses outright the notion that God is, in any sense, Creator. Instead, it is laws "that create the universe … what does the concept of God add to the concept of law? A cause? Come on, this would be giving in to mental tics." In Omnès' definition, the sacred is "the quality of being powerful, rich, and meaningful." In place of any historically Christian concept of God, Omnès suggests that science itself is now "ready to give birth to a new philosophy," a theory of knowledge than can completely account for Reality. Faith and science Reading the first half of Quantum Philosophy would benefit any who would like a quick overview of how physics and mathematics have reached their current state. Omnès' writing is always lucid, often light-hearted, and not infrequently opinionated – an engaging combination in a work of this nature. But it is Omnès himself who signals the dangers inherent in the second half of his effort when he cites the observation of twentieth-century philosopher Bertrand Russell "that there are no worse philosophical books than those written by scientists seized by the middle-aged love of philosophy." In attempting to create, or at least identify, a new philosophy of knowledge, one that would replace existing philosophy and theology at a single stroke, Omnès charges boldly into areas philosophers and theologians have explored with care and rigor for centuries. The results seem uncompelling for philosophers and are certainly unconvincing for evangelical Christians. For if Reality is God, and if the laws of science create and sustain the universe, scientists are now the great high priests, mediators of ultimate knowledge to the uninitiated. Omnès, of course, never makes that assertion. That view, however, underlies not only this work, but, at least tacitly, many assumptions in our scientific age. As Omnès demonstrates, the intersection between faith, science and philosophy is becoming increasingly crowded. That is a development Christians should embrace, as it offers enormous opportunities for declaring our faith in the public square. Although ultimately unsatisfying, Quantum Philosophy is an informative, thought-provoking contribution to a discussion that is drawing an increasing number of participants. |
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