Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics and its Relevance to Scientific and Technological Development in Africa

Objective: This paper discussed the philosophy of quantum mechanics and its relevance to scientific and technological development in Africa.

Methods: Quantum mechanics portrays the principles of uncertainty or indeterminacy which challenged the traditional understanding of classical physics.

Findings: Heisenberg, its theorist, explains that physical laws refer not to nature, but to our relation to it. Before the development of relativity theory and quantum mechanics, the nature and character of classical physics (Newtonian physics) presupposed that laws and theories were discovered, not invented and the truth physicists expressed was totally independent of the scientists who discovered them. But quantum mechanics (Atomic physics) contrary to this implies that at some fundamental levels there is no and can be no objective “Real” and deterministic universe for human to know. Quantum theory places emphasis on the inseparability of observer and observed, and reinforces the notions of relativity. By this, there is nothing absolute and “Sacrosanct” about scientific knowledge. This implies that scientific laws and theories are simply “Convention”. Scientific theories have no more claims to truth than other fields (like metaphysics or theology). They are complimentary in the field of knowledge. As this is apparently the case there is nothing that makes Western scientific knowledge superior to other fields of knowledge. Given the implications of quantum physics to knowledge generally, it is my position that the so-called “Hegemonic” exponents of scientific knowledge should allow other fields of knowledge or traditions to mutually flourish. This calls for complimentarily of fields of knowledge, be it of African origin Oriental or Western. Applying the indeterminacy principle to the macro-social setting especially Africa, it could be said that the table has turned against the imperialists universal principles by demonstrating that energy radiates in discrete units or bundles.

Application: On this pedestal, every nation like units of energy should be allowed to choose and determine her destiny. In this light, the leadership of our nation should create an atmosphere for the development of creative ingenuity of her citizens which is targeted to meeting the needs and aspirations of the people instead of taking non-contextualized and exploitation-oriented prescriptions (especially sometime from the World Bank and IMF).