Bridging the gap

does closure to efficient causation entail quantum-like attributes?

José Raúl Naranjo

pp. 315-330

in: Harald Walach, Nikolaus von Stillfried (eds), Generalizing Quantum theory, Axiomathes 21 (2), 2011.

Abstract

This paper explores the similarities between the conceptual structure of quantum theory and relational biology as developed within the Rashevsky-Rosen-Louie school of theoretical biology. With this aim, generalized quantum theory and the abstract formalism of (M,R)-systems are briefly presented. In particular, the notion of organizational invariance and relational identity are formalized mathematically and a particular example is given. Several quantum-like attributes of Rosen's complex systems such as complementarity and nonseparability are discussed. Taken together, this work emphasizes the possible role of self-referentiality and impredicativity in quantum theory.