Plain English Summary
This is a foundational paper that asks a wild question: what if the strange features of quantum physics -- like entanglement (particles mysteriously linked across distance) and complementarity (measuring one thing makes another unmeasurable) -- are not exclusive to subatomic particles but are patterns that show up elsewhere too? The authors strip quantum theory down to six bare-bones rules, tossing out the heavy mathematical machinery specific to physics, and create "Weak Quantum Theory." Crucially, they are not claiming your brain is a quantum computer. Instead, they built a general-purpose framework where entanglement-like connections could appear in psychology or mind-matter interactions without invoking actual quantum physics. They even sketch examples in chaotic systems and psychotherapy. This became the theoretical backbone for later researchers modeling psi as a form of generalized nonlocal correlation -- making it one of the most influential theoretical papers in the field.
Actual Paper Abstract
The concepts of complementarity and entanglement are considered with respect to their significance in and beyond physics. A formally generalized, weak version of quantum theory, more general than ordinary quantum theory of physical systems, is outlined and tentatively applied to two examples.
Research Notes
Foundational paper for Generalized Quantum Theory (GQT), the theoretical framework used by Walach and von Lucadou to model psi as generalized nonlocal correlations. Directly extended by lucadou_2007_entanglement and walach_2014_entanglement. Provides the formal basis for the GQT research program represented across multiple papers in this library.
Proposes a minimal axiomatic generalization of quantum theory — "Weak Quantum Theory" (WQT) — in which observables are mappings on states forming a monoid rather than a C*-algebra. Six axioms preserve the key quantum features of complementarity (non-commuting observables) and entanglement (holistic correlations in composite systems) while discarding Planck's constant, Hilbert space, tensor products, and probability interpretation. Ordinary quantum theory is recoverable by progressively strengthening the axioms. Two applications are sketched: complementary dynamical descriptions in chaotic systems, and countertransference in psychotherapy as entangled mental states. Provides formal underpinning for applying entanglement concepts to mind-matter and psychophysical phenomena without claiming that quantum physics itself directly governs such processes.
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Related Papers
Extended By
Companion
Same Research Program
- Evidence for Anomalistic Correlations Between Human Behavior and a Random Event Generator: Result of an Independent Replication of a Micro-PK Experiment — Walach, Harald (2020)
- Inner Experience – Direct Access to Reality: A Complementarist Ontology and Dual Aspect Monism Support a Broader Epistemology — Walach, Harald (2020)
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📋 Cite this paper
Atmanspacher, Harald, Römer, Hartmann, Walach, Harald (2002). Weak Quantum Theory: Complementarity and Entanglement in Physics and Beyond. Foundations of Physics. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014809312397
@article{atmanspacher_2002_weak_quantum,
title = {Weak Quantum Theory: Complementarity and Entanglement in Physics and Beyond},
author = {Atmanspacher, Harald and Römer, Hartmann and Walach, Harald},
year = {2002},
journal = {Foundations of Physics},
doi = {10.1023/A:1014809312397},
}