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Physics

Quantum gods don't deserve your faith

By Amanda Gefter

15 April 2009

91av. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of transcendental meditation, claimed his techniques gave practitioners access to the “quantum field of cosmic consciousness”

(Image: CSU Archives / Everett Collection / Rex)

Anyone tempted to replace religion with fuzzy notions about quantum mechanics should read this robust debunker

Anyone tempted to replace religion with fuzzy notions about quantum mechanics should read this robust debunker

(Image: Prometheus Books)

QUANTUM mechanics is remarkably weird: even though it is well understood mathematically and can produce accurate, ultra-precise predictions, nobody really knows what it means. This leaves lots of room for people in search of the spiritual – and who are not burdened by any knowledge of mathematics – to impose on it whatever quasi-religious beliefs or interpretations they like.…

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