[Paper Review] Potentiality, Actuality and Non-Separability in Quantum and Classical Physics: Res Potentiae in the Macroscopic World

Robert R. Bishop, Joseph E. Brenner|arXiv (Cornell University)|Dec 20, 2017

Quantum Mechanics and Applications20 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes that macroscopic, interactive processes exhibit quantum-like behavior through the interplay of potentiality (res potentia) and actuality, extending interpretations of quantum foundations beyond the microscopic realm. Using Lupasco's non-standard logic, it demonstrates that non-separability and contextual dynamics emerge naturally in complex systems without invoking quantum formalism, offering new frameworks for understanding life, cognition, and information in classical physics.

ABSTRACT

To help resolve stubborn aporias in quantum mechanics, Kastner, Kauffman and Epperson have recently proposed a new interpretation of Heisenbergs ontological duality of res extensa and res potentia. In related work, Khrennikov and Aerts and their respective associates have explored the intermediate domain of mesoscopic phenomena in which quantum-like behavior can be observed and formalized. We generalize this work to define a third domain, one of macroscopic, interactive processes to which quantum concepts, but not quantum formalism apply. We show that they follow the non-standard logic proposed in the last century by the FrancoRomanian thinker Stephane Lupasco. This logical system, grounded in the ontological dualities in nature, describes the evolution of complex processes and emergence at macroscopic levels of reality as chains of interacting actualities and potentialities. Without going outside the laws of physics, some new approaches to the problems of life, cognition and information can be made. The most appropriate formalism for describing this logic is under current scrutiny.

Motivation & Objective

• To extend the interpretation of quantum-like phenomena beyond the microscopic domain into macroscopic, interactive systems.
• To address persistent philosophical aporias in quantum mechanics by grounding them in ontological dualities of potentiality and actuality.
• To demonstrate that non-separability and contextual dynamics in complex systems can be formalized using non-standard logic, not quantum mechanics.
• To provide a conceptual framework for understanding emergence, life, and cognition in classical physics through the lens of res potentia.
• To explore the applicability of Stephane Lupasco’s logical system to macroscopic processes that exhibit quantum-like behavior.

Proposed method

• Adapting Kastner, Kauffman, and Epperson’s interpretation of Heisenberg’s res extensa/res potentia duality to macroscopic systems.
• Applying Lupasco’s non-standard logic, which treats potentiality and actuality as ontologically distinct and dynamically interacting.
• Identifying mesoscopic and macroscopic systems where quantum-like behavior emerges without quantum formalism.
• Analyzing interactive, non-separable processes in classical physics as chains of evolving actualities and potentialities.
• Formalizing the dynamics of complex systems using logical structures that preserve non-separability and contextuality.
• Using conceptual and logical analysis to show that quantum concepts—such as superposition and non-separability—can apply in macroscopic domains without requiring quantum mechanics.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can the ontological duality of res potentia and res extensa be extended to macroscopic, interactive physical processes?
• RQ2 How can non-separability and contextuality in classical systems be formalized without invoking quantum mechanics?
• RQ3 To what extent do macroscopic systems exhibit quantum-like behavior through the interplay of potentiality and actuality?
• RQ4 Can Lupasco’s non-standard logic provide a viable foundation for describing emergence and complexity in classical physics?
• RQ5 What are the implications of this framework for understanding life, cognition, and information in non-quantum domains?

Key findings

• Macroscopic, interactive processes exhibit non-separability and contextuality through chains of actualities and potentialities, even without quantum formalism.
• The logical structure of potentiality and actuality, as formalized by Lupasco, provides a consistent framework for describing complex, emergent dynamics in classical systems.
• Quantum-like behavior—such as interference and non-locality—can emerge in macroscopic systems through ontological dualities, not through quantum laws.
• The framework allows for a new interpretation of emergence in complex systems, particularly relevant to life and cognition, without requiring quantum mechanics.
• The paper identifies a third domain of physical phenomena—beyond microscopic quantum and mesoscopic—where quantum concepts apply but not quantum formalism.
• The most appropriate formalism for this logic remains under active scrutiny, indicating a need for further theoretical development.