Is causation truly non-existent in the realm of quantum mechanics?

Causality is an axiom that describes the influence by which one event (a cause) brings about another event (an effect)—the cause being responsible for the effect, and the effect being dependent on the cause. It is the principle that events within a given framework are bound by causality in such a way that any state of an object or event is entirely determined by preceding states. For example, event ‘A’ leads to event ‘B’. Undoubtedly, the foundational premise of all scientific inquiry is the firm belief in the causal inevitability of natural phenomena. In other words, the scientist’s task is to identify the causes of observed phenomena and to uncover the interrelationships of cause and effect. Thus, causation is unquestionably at the heart of all scientific and metaphysical (ontological) investigation. It goes without saying, therefore, that causation exists within quantum mechanics. However, quantum mechanics challenges the notion of causal determinism—the view that there exists an unbroken chain of prior occurrences extending back to the origin of the universe. This view posits that everything that happens or exists is caused by antecedent conditions, implying that the future is entirely determined by past events—a combination of previous states of the universe and the laws of nature. Quantum mechanics, however, refutes determinism due to the ambiguity surrounding the temporal framework of events at the subatomic level, which remains largely imperceptible to scientists. In general, systems governed by quantum behavior do not conform to the principles familiar to classical physicists, as they are difficult to observe and intuit, often display paradoxical characteristics, can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and may even change depending on whether or not they are observed. Notably, many books offer varying interpretations of the concept of time within quantum mechanics, and understanding it remains one of the most complex and unresolved challenges in the field.

It is worth noting that, although some scientists argue that determinism is absent in quantum mechanics, there is considerable research indicating otherwise—as seen in the Bohmian interpretation of quantum mechanics. Bohm’s interpretation is widely regarded as an effort to reintroduce the determinism characteristic of classical physics. In any case, causation remains undeniably one of the foundational axioms of quantum mechanics. Max Born, one of the most prominent figures in the field and author of Natural Philosophy of Cause and Chance, elaborates on the significance of causation in quantum mechanics and distinguishes between the principles of causality and determinism. Born was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering contributions, particularly for his statistical interpretation of the wave function. He offers the following widely cited definition: “Causality postulates that there are laws by which the occurrence of an entity B of a certain class depends on the occurrence of an entity A of another class, where the word entity means any physical object, phenomenon, situation, or event. A is called the cause, B the effect.”¹ He further stated: “The claim, frequently made, that modern physics has abandoned causality is entirely unfounded.”²

Hence, causality is an axiom of quantum mechanics: “we derive quantum theory from purely informational principles. Five elementary axioms—causality…”³ The bottom line is that while quantum mechanics introduces a degree of unpredictability and probabilistic behavior at the subatomic level, it does not negate the concept of causation altogether. Rather, it redefines our understanding of it. As previously noted, in classical physics, causation is linear and deterministic: every effect has a precise, identifiable cause. Quantum mechanics, however, reveals that at the microscopic scale, events often occur with probabilities rather than certainties. Nevertheless, even within quantum mechanics, there exists an underlying framework governed by mathematical laws and patterns. Particles behave in accordance with the wave function, which evolves in a well-defined manner. This indicates that while specific outcomes may be unpredictable, the system as a whole functions within a consistent and intelligible order. Therefore, causation is not eliminated but instead manifests in a more nuanced, probabilistic form. It is not the absence of causation, but rather the presence of a deeper, more subtle order—one that continues to testify to the existence of a higher Sustainer, Exalted is He, who maintains harmony amid apparent randomness.

In sum, the formulation of quantum theory, as it is currently understood, necessitates a well-defined causal structure in the background. Unfortunately, despite this being an established fact, some of our Muslim youth are being misled in the name of science. Frankly, I do not understand the motive behind the atheists’ skepticism toward causation, or why they claim that such a rational and informational principle has been abandoned by quantum mechanics. What is clear, however, is that while many atheists believe their atheism to be the result of rational thought, it is, in reality, contrary to logic and opposed to reason. Accordingly, axioms such as causality undermine its foundations and dismantle its arguments. The crux of the matter is that, at its core, the philosophy of New Atheism is self-refuting, internally contradictory, and built upon unstable ground.