Quantum Mechanics
Does Not Remove Causality
Matt Johnson
From: Matt Johnson
To: Positive Atheism
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2001 10:08 AM
Subject: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Hi! Some people like to argue that Quantum Mechanics breaks down determinism. I am of the strong opinion that Quantum Mechanics does nothing of the sort. It suggests that some things don't happen the way we once thought they did, but it doesn't remove causality. I was just wondering if you had an opinion on this that you'd like to share with me.
Thanks for your consideration!
Matt Johnson
From: "Positive Atheism Magazine"
To: "Matt Johnson"
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Sunday, July 01, 2001 10:49 AM
I am in the middle of a discussion with Wayland Dong on this very subject. I have had to place the discussion on hold, because my health has been too frail for me to trust my thinking entirely on the subject, but my latest suggestion was that humankind's ability to make limited (scientific) predictions may propose a strong challenge to the notion of absolute determinism. Dong has returned the volley, but I am awaiting the time when my health settles down before I respond. It is a fascinating discussion which has prompted me to rethink my outlook to its very foundation numerous times throughout my life. You are welcome to join the fray, but I will keep both discussions on separate files.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Five years of service to
people with no reason to believe
From: "Matt Johnson"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2001 8:44 PM
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section-quantum mechanics vs. determinism
Thanks for the response and the information about the discussion. I have been out of town for a few days but will check it out ASAP. I appreciate and share the high regard in which you hold this particular discussion, and respect your desire not to delve more deeply into it without being able to do so with a totally clear mind. Lack of sleep or stress alone are sometimes enough to cause me to stay away from the really heady stuff. I certainly hope that you are feeling better soon, I really enjoy your stimulating perspectives!
Thanks again for the reply!
Matt
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: "Matt Johnson"
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section-quantum mechanics vs. determinism
Date: Friday, July 06, 2001 6:48 PM
What I'd eventually like to see is two separate threads, linked one to the other. That's what works best, here. And since things seem to be looking up for me, I'm hoping to get back to the Wayland Dong discussion soon -- perhaps next week at the earliest
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Five years of service to
people with no reason to believe
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