Quantum theory turns 100. Scientists reflect on how to understand it

Quantum physics has fundamentally transformed our view of the world, yet experts still disagree on how its results should be interpreted. Different philosophical interpretations of quantum theory were therefore the focus of a conference organized by the University of West Bohemia.

The interdisciplinary conference, titled Philosophical Questions of Quantum Physics, was held on October 15 at the Bishop’s Residence in Pilsen to mark the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Participants discussed the most influential interpretations of quantum mechanics—from the Copenhagen school and the many-worlds theory to more recent approaches. The aim of the meeting was to formulate key philosophical questions arising from contemporary research and to contribute to a deeper understanding of the foundations of physics itself.

Quantum physics allows scientists to describe the behavior of particles with extraordinary precision and underpins technologies such as microchips, quantum computers, and advanced encryption systems. Exactly one hundred years ago, German physicist Werner Heisenberg introduced the first mathematical formulation of quantum theory—the so-called matrix mechanics. What began as an abstract computational framework has become one of the most precise scientific tools ever created. Yet it also opens questions that science itself cannot answer unambiguously: What is reality? Does causality exist? What role does the observer play?

The conference featured a presentation by Miroslav Holeček from the New Technologies Research Centre, who discussed how quantum theory intersects with contemporary philosophical thought. This was followed by talks from Pavel Krtouš and Pavel Cejnar of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Miloslav Dušek from the Faculty of Science, Palacký University, and Vladimír Havlík from the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of West Bohemia. The final panel discussion also included Šimon Kos from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences.

“Concepts such as quantum entanglement, superposition, wave-function collapse, the principles of uncertainty and complementarity, and thought experiments like Schrödinger’s cat or the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen paradox have become part of both the broader intellectual discourse and popular culture,” said Radek Schuster, the conference organizer from the Faculty of Arts, University of West Bohemia. “The interest in the conference confirmed that questions concerning space, time, causality, and information are not only the domain of physicists and philosophers but also attract the wider academic community and the public,” he added.

The conference was organized by the Faculty of Arts in collaboration with the New Technologies Research Centre (NTC) at the University of West Bohemia.

The conference was financially supported by the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen through project no. 901096, titled Community Marketing – Interdisciplinarity, and was made possible thanks to the Bishopric of Pilsen.