Quantum fundamentalism is the assumption that quantum mechanics (QM) is fundamental to physical reality. A project led by Mark Harris and Pete Jordan at Oxford’s Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion (IRC) will investigate what quantum fundamentalism might mean for humans’ understanding of the world and our place in it, and what can be rationally known or believed.

While quantum fundamentalism is acknowledged in modern physics and popular culture, its metaphysical and existential implications remain largely unexplored through empirical science. This project integrates history, sociology, theology, and philosophy to explore how quantum ideas shape beliefs about identity, purpose, and morality. It is organized into two research strands.

Strand A aims to investigate quantum-informed worldviews through historical and sociological research, focusing on: (1) the religious and mystical speculations of early quantum physicists like Bohr, Schrödinger, and Heisenberg; (2) the New Age movement’s “quantum mysticism”; and (3) Christian theologians using QM to support doctrinal claims. The team will also analyze contemporary expressions of “quantum religion” across literature, film, social media, quantum medicine, and quantum social science, using textual analysis, computational methods, and interviews to understand its appeal.

Strand B explores the theological and philosophical challenges posed by three realist interpretations of QM: de Broglie-Bohm, Everett, and Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber. Each raises questions about determinism, identity, morality, and divine action, prompting new constructive theological reflection, including a systematic theology engaging Christian and other traditions.

Planned outputs include books, journal articles, conference presentations, short documentaries with podcasts, and secondary-school teaching resources developed with RE Today. Further engagement includes presentations at UK science festivals, a public lecture series at the Ian Ramsey CentreRC, and popular science articles from team members and science writer Philip Ball.

This project aims to establish a new research program on quantum fundamentalism, deepen scholarly understanding of its worldview implications, and raise public awareness of the human significance of QM.