Systemic exploitation of quasiparticle analogs reveals colonial patterns in quantum physics research priorities

The framing of quasiparticles as 'poor man's Majoranas' exemplifies epistemic extractivism, where Indigenous and non-Western conceptual systems are repurposed as 'analogs' without attribution or benefit-sharing. This mirrors historical patterns where Indigenous knowledge (e.g., medicinal plants, astronomical systems) was commodified by colonial powers while the originating cultures were denied recognition or compensation. The reduction of complex cosmological ideas to mere 'analogs' for Western scientific validation reflects a devaluation of non-Western epistemologies.

The narrative echoes colonial-era scientific practices where non-Western knowledge was systematically erased or repurposed, as seen in the erasure of Islamic Golden Age contributions to optics and mathematics in the history of quantum mechanics. The term 'Majorana fermion' itself is a misnomer, as Ettore Majorana's work built on earlier contributions from non-Western scholars, yet these are rarely acknowledged in mainstream physics discourse. This reflects a broader pattern of 'discovery' narratives that center Western scientists while obscuring cumulative, cross-cultural intellectual heritage.

Cross-culturally, the concept of duality and equilibrium is not unique to Western particle physics but is central to many Indigenous and Eastern philosophies, such as the Chinese 'Yin-Yang' or the African 'Ma'at,' which emphasize balance and interconnectedness. These frameworks could offer alternative models for understanding quasiparticle behavior without reducing it to a binary opposition. However, Western science often repurposes these ideas as 'analogs' while maintaining its epistemic dominance, reinforcing a pattern of cultural appropriation.

From a scientific perspective, the discovery of quasiparticle analogs to Majorana fermions is significant for quantum computing and spintronics, as these quasiparticles could enable more stable quantum states. However, the mainstream narrative oversimplifies the complexity of these systems by framing them as 'poor man's' versions, which obscures the nuanced physics behind their behavior. The focus on Western institutions' ability to manipulate these quasiparticles also distracts from the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, including input from non-Western theoretical traditions.

Artistically and spiritually, the concept of quasiparticles resonates with themes of duality and transformation in world mythologies, such as the Greek myth of Janus or the Hindu deity Ardhanarishvara, who embodies the union of opposites. These narratives could inspire alternative artistic and spiritual approaches to understanding quantum phenomena, such as through music, dance, or visual art that explores the interplay of forces. However, the Western-centric framing of this research limits its potential to engage with these broader cultural and spiritual dimensions.

Future modeling of quantum research must account for the geopolitical inequities in global science funding, where Global South institutions are often excluded from leadership roles despite contributing foundational knowledge. The commodification of quasiparticle analogs as 'poor man's' solutions risks entrenching these inequities, as it reinforces a hierarchy where non-Western contributions are reduced to raw material for Northern innovation. Addressing this will require systemic changes in research funding, citation practices, and institutional recognition of non-Western knowledge systems.

The narrative marginalizes the voices of Global South scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders, whose contributions to quantum theory are often erased or repurposed without credit. For example, the foundational work of Satyendra Nath Bose, whose name is co-opted in 'bosons,' is rarely acknowledged in mainstream quantum physics discourse. This erasure reflects broader patterns of epistemic injustice, where marginalized voices are excluded from the narrative of scientific progress, despite their critical role in shaping the field.