Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Anyone, physicist or otherwise, who is at all interested in the broader philosophical implications of quantum mechanics would do well to read d'Espagnat's works. Why? Quite simply, d'Espagnat is one of pioneers in exploring the broader implications of modern physics, especially in the boundary domain where physics meets metaphysics. His concept of "veiled" reality is particularly important to scientists, who seem to need some occasional reminding that empirical work, crucial as it is in understanding our physical universe, is nonetheless- by definition- incomplete; there is always a "beyond" which remains forever hidden -in principle- to direct study and observation. What should be appreciated from d'Espagnat's investigation, moreover, is that the foundations of quantum mechanics seem to POINT one to this observation, at least in the estimation of this distinguished expert in the field of quantum "entanglement". Although science cannot define this ultimate "veiled" realm, the scientific method enables us to progressively uncover aspects of it by virtue of observed manifestations in the empirical world, as revealed in the physical laws of our universe and, perhaps, our mental states as well. The author thus promotes an ontological "dual-aspect monism" position, where mind and matter are equally fundamental and interdependent, and both aspects are derived from something deeper (indefinable) that is neither... One is reminded of somewhat similar positions arrived at by other physicists interested in the foundations of QM, such as Wolfgang Pauli and David Bohm, to name a few.