Quantum and Systems Theory in World Society

Abstract

This chapter explores substantive overlaps between quantum and systems theory. It is based on the observation that while quantum theory is “nonclassical” in its entire worldview, there is a danger that when it comes to the social world it is simply laid on a worldview of that world, which remains at its core “classical.” This situation calls for engaging quantum with existing nonclassical social theories. Resemblances between quantum and systems theory are obviously given through similarities around the concepts of observation and meaning, whose status and function in both bodies of theory are explored. The chapter then probes the degree to which obvious analogies in fact could be read as overlaps and similarities that could be put to complementary analytical use: in a sense, it argues that systems theory “does” quantum theory, and vice versa. The chapter concludes with some vistas of this discussion for the field of International Relations.