A quantum leap for social theory. (17th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fuller, Steve
• Is Part Of: Journal for the theory of social behaviour. Volume 48:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2018-04-17
• Subjects: decoherence -- public opinion -- quantum -- social constructivism -- state -- Wendt; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 301.105
• DOI: 10.1111/jtsb.12166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8308

Abstract

Abstract: I discuss the revolutionary implications of Alexander Wendt's Quantum Mind and Social Science for social theory. These center on the significance given to society as a possibility space in which observable social reality amounts to quantum decoherent states in the system. I discuss how Wendt radicalises social constructivism and goes considerably beyond Bourdieu's conceptions of society as a field. A signature feature in Wendt's theory, the state as a hologram, comports well with the implied view of the social order in much public opinion and market research. In this respect, Wendt's theory is very attuned to the spirit of our times.