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Our place in the universe: Alexander Wendt and quantum mechanics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 February 2022

Andrew H. Kydd Open the ORCID record for Andrew H. Kydd [Opens in a new window]
Andrew H. Kydd*
Affiliation:
Department of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
*
Corresponding author: E-mail: kydd@wisc.edu
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Abstract

Alexander Wendt claims that quantum physics explains deep mysteries about human consciousness and offers a radical new understanding of human behavior and social interaction. However, the claims rest on flawed interpretations of quantum theory, fringe literatures and metaphorical, almost mystical uses of quantum concepts and buzzwords. He fails to provide any account of human conflict, and defends an almost theological view of the importance of humanity in the universe that is incompatible with a scientific perspective.

Keywords

International relationsphilosophy of sciencequantum theory
Type
Book Symposium: Alexander Wendt, Quantum Mind and Social Science: Unifying Physical and Social Ontology
Information
International Theory , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , March 2022 , pp. 130 - 145
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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