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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
00:26
Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
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Causal viewpoint and ensemble interpretation: from physics to the social sciences.
Vikram Athalye1, Emmanuel Haven2
1Department of Physics, Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune 411052, India.
Summary
This study suggests that quantum physics-analogous models, using causality and system ensembles, are essential for understanding social realities like economics. These models are applied to financial contexts and supply chains.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary science bridging natural and social sciences.
- Application of quantum physics principles to social phenomena.
Background:
- Traditional models of social reality, particularly in economics and finance, often lack the nuanced probabilistic framework offered by quantum physics.
- The concept of causality and ensembles, crucial in physics, has not been fully integrated into social science modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and argue for the essential role of quantum physics-analogous probabilistic models in understanding social realities.
- To explore the application of causality and ensemble concepts in socially analogous contexts.
- To provide plausibility arguments through specific social situation examples.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual assertion of quantum physics-analogous modeling for social realities.
- Development of plausibility arguments based on discrete-time stochastic (Markov) processes.
- Analysis of two distinct social contexts: general financial/economic scenarios and supply chain dynamics.
Main Results:
- Demonstration that causality and ensemble concepts can be essential for constructing quantum physics-analogous probabilistic models of social reality.
- Illustrative examples in economics/finance and supply chains show the applicability of these concepts.
- The study supports the integration of natural science methodologies into social science.
Conclusions:
- Quantum physics-analogous probabilistic models, incorporating causality and ensembles, offer a powerful framework for social science research.
- The proposed approach enhances the understanding of complex social systems like financial markets and supply chains.
- This work advocates for a more unified approach across natural and social sciences, exemplified by Thermodynamics 2.0.
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