Decoherence, quantum theory and their implications for the philosophy of geomorphology

Abstract

Recent philosophical discussions on the nature of geomorphology (Bassett 1994; Richards 1994; Rhoads 1994) have concluded that the way forward in geomorphological explanation is through either an empiricist or a realist approach. This paper draws lessons from quantum mechanics and the related concepts of decoherence and entanglement to explore the theoretical limitations of both of these existing approaches to geomorphology. It is suggested that empiricist and realist approaches are misguided in their attempts to view the researcher as being in some way 'detached' from the reality of the environmental system under investigation. Instead, this reality is viewed here as being consciousness-dependent. The paper also challenges the claims to represent 'truth', and the deterministic view of causation, which are inherent within empiricist and realist approaches. It concludes by suggesting that an idealist approach to geomorphology - one that recognizes the primacy of consciousness - can better appreciate the unpredictable and probabilistic nature of the world.