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  • 11 - From Quantum Physics to Ethics: Grete Hermann on Heisenberg’s Cut

  • Edited by Patrick Charbonneau, Duke University, North Carolina, Michelle Frank, Margriet van der Heijden, Eindhoven University of Technology, Daniela Monaldi, York University, Toronto
  • Book:
    Women in the History of Quantum Physics
    Published online:
    02 July 2025
    Print publication:
    19 June 2025, pp 309-336

  • Summary

    In recent years, Grete Hermann (1901–1984) has been rediscovered as a principal figure in the history and philosophy of quantum physics. In particular, her criticism of Johann von Neumann’s so-called “no hidden variables” proof is a focal point of interest. Did she really find a mistake in this proof? We argue that the whole debate is misleading. It fits too well with the image of a forgotten woman who disproved a result of a mathematical genius, but it is neither historically nor systematically justified. Despite Hermann’s challenging thoughts on quantum physics, her impressive and important achievements were in ethics and politics. We offer a new and broader reading of Hermann’s interpretation of quantum physics and try to build a bridge between her works on quantum physics and ethics. In doing so, we focus on her interpretation of Heisenberg’s cut as a methaphorical device to argue against Leonard Nelson’s theory of free will and for freedom and responsibility as cornerstones of any democratic society.