Quantum theory as it stands today is perhaps the single most comprehensive, experimentally verified and successful theory in the entire history of science. Using a philosophical context, this synthesis challenges the impression shared by many physicists and laymen alike that in some way this theory is incomplete, philosophically flawed, or self-contradictory. In simple terms and with little scientific or philosophical jargon, this is an examination of some of the philosophical implications of quantum theory. In particular, the Copenhagen interpretation of Bohr and Heisenberg is systematically explored revealing its neo-Kantian and anti-realist features. The unsung 'hero' of this tale, as recognized by Heisenberg is the German poet and naturalist Goethe whose heterodox “Theory of Colors”, dismissed by so many as an anti-science diatribe, actually presciently outlines a position similar to the indeterminacy principle. Goethe maintained that theories are not objective descriptions as such, but rather the points of view of the scientist framed within a particular context of knowledge. As Bohr said: 'Natural Science is not nature itself but part of a relation between man and nature, and therefore is dependent on man.' Finally the physical theories of de Broglie and Bohm are contextualized within the philosophical ideas of Bergson, Deleuze, Kant and Whitehead. In particular Whitehead's idea of the 'Melodic Metaphor' an embrace of the matter wave model is seen as a new 'Music of the Spheres.' Finally, the notion of aesthetic beauty in scientific theory is examined in some depth, revealing it to be an important criterion for judging the validity of theoretical constructs.

The purpose of this dissertation is to make a modest contribution to the contemporary discussion of pluralism by developing a "constructively postmodern" approach to religious diversity. This approach is based on the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead as that philosophy has been developed by John B. Cobb, Jr. and David Ray Griffin. With help from Whitehead, the dissertation surveys approaches toward pluralism in the West and then develops a distinctively Chinese version of constructive postmodern pluralism. Chinese traditions can enrich such pluralism by offering a model of creative relationships among religions modeled after relations among Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. This distintively Chinese version of constructive postmodernism can be called 'harmonism." The key features of the harmonism include an emphasis on equality of all religions, an emphasis on complementarity of religions; treating the three Religions as an organic whole, peaceful co-existence, mutual transformation. As developed with help from Whiteheadian or process thought, Chinese harmonism provides a middle way between particularism and universalism and shows how diversity can exist within unity. As philosophers continue to develop philosophies of religious diversity, Chinese harmonism can make a key contribution to the ongoing conversation.