Levels of Relationality: Understanding relational quantum mechanics through Nāgārjuna

Abstract

Carlo Rovelli explores aspects of the relational and non-foundational character of his relational interpretation of quantum mechanics (RQM) through ancient Indian thinker Nāgārjuna (ca. 150 C.E.–250 C.E.). This study aims to understand the extent of the compatibility between these two vastly different systems of thought. This research refutes the compatibility between the systems regarding non-foundationalism, realism and ultimate truth, and the existence of state-independent properties, mainly due to the differing extent to which Nāgārjuna and Rovelli apply their relationality. However, this research demonstrates that a narrow compatibility can be maintained regarding the understanding of Rovelli’s state-dependent properties through Nāgārjuna’s dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda). These findings further our understanding of RQM and Nāgārjuna, both separately and in relation to one another, and contribute to making sense of how quantum mechanics (and modern science as a whole) relates to Indian thought.