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understood it yet” (Bohr n.d.).
Despite its strange behavior, the quantum mechanics is considered as the most successful theory of physics. Stenholm and Suominen (2005, p. 1), in their book on quantum approach to informatics, write: “Quantum theory has turned out to be the most universally successful theory of physics. O O OWithout the understanding offered by quantum theory, our ability to build integrated circuits and communication devices would not have emerged." A large number of scientists (e.g., Planck, Einstein, Bohr, de Broglie, Heisenberg, Schrodinger, Born, Dirac, Pauli, Pauling) have been awarded Nobel Prizes for their contributions related to quantum mechanics. In various walks of modern science and technology, including electronics, nuclear technology, nanotechnology, femto-chemistry, molecular biology, cosmology, high-energy physics, quantum mechanics is valuable and indispensible.
In recent years, one notes a growing interest in the application of quantum mechanics to areas such as quantum cryptography (e.g., Bennett and Brassard 1984, Bennett et al. 1992, Chung et al. 2008) as well as quantum computation (e.g., Shor 1997, Lo et al. 2000, Hand 2009). As regards the application of quantum mechanics beyond physical sciences, Bohr (1929) attempted to show the similarity between the mental processes and the quantum mechanical phenomena. In his writings, he also discussed the similarities between quantum mechanics and the functions of the brain (e.g., Bohr 1933). In recent decades, there have been various notable attempts to ascribe the quantum mechanical properties to brain, mind, and consciousness (e.g., Chalmers 1996, Lockwood 1989, Penrose 1989, Penrose et al. 2000, Pessa and Vitiello 2003, Satinover 2001).
Recently there has been some new work to explore applicability of quantum models in better understanding nuances of human decision making. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explain the quantum concepts through simple terms and notations, to apply these concepts in better understanding the recent applications of quantum mechanics to
1.1 Quantum Mechanics and Human Decision Making
human decision making, and to suggest applicability of models based on quantum mechanics to some new areas of research. 1.1. Quantum Mechanics and Human Decision Making Regarding the human mind, economics Nobel Laureate Herbert Simon wrote in collaboration with Newell (Simon and Newell
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