Introduction

This chapter makes two arguments. First, there are deep homologies between sociological and criminological inquiry into the nature of reality, non-linear causality and quantum theory. In particular, I argue that there is a homologous synergy between the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics and constructionist approaches to philosophy, sociology and criminology. This chapter intends to discuss the usefulness of quantum theory to criminology, not in a reductionist mathematical manner, but through an examination of factors that lead to novel developments and solutions in criminological and sociological theory and practice from a constructivist (post-positivist/postmodernist) perspective.

The second argument is articulated by Polkinghorne (2007) and others that one of the consequences of the triumphalism of the model of classical mechanics developed since Newton has been a separation of spiritual faith on the one hand, and what is perceived to be ‘reason’ on the other. It is worth making the point that the uncertainty of quantum mechanics has challenged that triumphalism and that spiritual and theological inquiry makes a significant contribution to our understanding of justice, ethics and what is humane. Just as there have been eminent physicists such as Faraday, Maxell and Klein who are committed Christians, so are there currently figures such as Peter Hodgson (see Hodgson, 2005) who see no contradiction between faith and reason. In fact, both are committed to an understanding of reality and our places and influence within that reality. This chapter is written in the spirit of rational inquiry, and the growing understanding that the relationships between people, ‘reality’ and its ‘causes’ is much stronger than we could have thought; in the words of Nils Bohr, ‘Anyone who is not shocked by quantum mechanics has not understood it’ (cited by Gribben, 1994) because this theory argues that knowledge (observer effect), matter and reality are totally constitutive of each other.

Quantum mechanics is considered one of the most profound scientific development of the 20th century (Kleppner and Jackson, 2000).