[Serious] Thomism: Then & Now

[HappySkeptic]

Order is simply a set of relationships.  If there is no order, there cannot be structure to existence, as complexity requires relationships to form.  With no relationships, there is no mathematics, no physics, no information, and no intelligence.

Is it fair to rephrase that as follows? The existence of physical reality is contingent on some kind of necessary fundamental order?

As far as we know, yes, specific quantum events are uncaused.

 

So would be fair to say that the potential in the quantum vacuum remains unactualized until it does so for some reason?

Yes, existence of reality (is there any type of reality other than physical?) requires the existence of relationships.  In fact, at its base, reality just IS a set of relationships.  All of quantum physics can be described as relationship and change.

I assume you are using "potential" in a philosophical sense, and not a scientific sense.  Because we wouldn't use "potential" like that, unless you are talking about the initial inflation of the universe.

No, there is no "reason" in our current understanding.  The proof that there we can have statistical prediction also invalidates the idea that a god directs quantum events.  To do so would mean that god is bound by statistics, or alternatively that god is provable by being shown to break those statistics.