E: an action constant for quantum economics
Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of an economic action constant, denoted _ E , as a structural analogue to Planck's reduced constant _ in quantum mechanics. Building on canonical quantization, we define _ E as the fundamental scale of irreducible uncertainty in macroeconomic dynamics through non-commuting observables ( X, PX ), derive uncertainty relations and a semi-classical limit, and study spectral properties under a double-well economic potential. Numerical simulations show that _ E governs regime transitions between deterministic, probabilistic, and highly unstable dynamics, with topological changes in phase-space and bifurcations emerging under harmonic modulation of _ E . We propose a systemic economic interpretation linking the magnitude of _ E to expectation coordination, institutional stability, and structural volatility, and provide historical analogies (post-war reconstruction, speculative bubbles, systemic crises). We finally outline an empirical strategy to estimate _ E from macro time series and agent-based simulations, opening a path toward a taxonomy of economic regimes under radical uncertainty.
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