Quantum mechanics, time, and theology: Indefinite causal order and a new approach to salvation

Zygon 55 (3):663-684 (2020)
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Abstract

Quantum mechanics has recently indicated that, at the fundamental level, temporal order is not fixed. This phenomenon, termed Indefinite Causal Order, is yet to receive metaphysical or theological engagement. We examine Indefinite Causal Order, particularly as it emerges in a 2018 photonic experiment. In this experiment, two operations A and B were shown to be in a superposition with regard to their causal order. Essentially, time, intuitively understood as fixed, flowing, and fundamental, becomes fuzzy. We argue that if Indefinite Causal Order is true, this is good evidence in favor of a B‐theory of time, though such a B‐theory requires modification. We then turn to theology, suggesting that a B‐theoretic temporal ontology invites serious reconsideration of the doctrine of salvation. This paper concludes that the best explanation for salvation given a B‐theory is mind‐dependent salvific becoming, a type of psychological soteriological change that occurs through downward causation.

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Emily Qureshi-Hurst
Oxford University

References found in this work

The unreality of time.John Ellis McTaggart - 1908 - Mind 17 (68):457-474.
The Principles of Psychology.William James - 1890 - Les Etudes Philosophiques 11 (3):506-507.
Time and physical geometry.Hilary Putnam - 1967 - Journal of Philosophy 64 (8):240-247.
Emergent spacetime and empirical (in) coherence.Nick Huggett & Christian Wüthrich - 2013 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 44 (3):276-285.

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