Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #10iii

10. On Quantum Mechanics:
iii. Wave particle duality is exhibited by electrons and other subatomic particles. Simply stated, such particles will exhibit either wave-like or particle-like properties, but not both, which is wholly dependent upon how we with to choose to look at the system. If we conduct interference experiments, the particle will appear as a wave, with interference patterns similar to waves in a wave tank. However, if we choose to observe scattering effects, then the system will appear as particles. In quantum mechanics, the neutral observer[11] does not exist. This discovery has many scientific and philosophical implications. We cannot know what occurs in our absence. Does observing create the world?

[11] (Or observational device.)

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #10ii

10. On Quantum Mechanics:
ii. Quantum physics differs from classical physics. The energy levels and distances are on an atomic scale. The action of observing introduces uncontrollable and irreparable disturbances in the system being observed. If these disturbances are negligible, then the system in question will behave in a manner that is familiar to human experience. Quantum motion is far weirder.

Modern Warriors: Kenya

Kenyan Tribes Wage a War With Bows and Arrows is fascinating photographic evidence of a relatively "civilized" (I would say civil) form of warfare. If blood must be spilled, then agree to use ancient but deadly weapons, such as bows armed with arrow made from 4 inch nails, slings and machetes. It appears that these men have decided that they don't want to create another Rwanda, and have agreed to limit death to a pre-selected battlefield away from cities and towns. As a result, the civilian population will not experience wholesale devastation. At night, everyone goes home. Perhaps that is why the police do not intervene? It could be a lot worse. (To use my own metaphors) these tribes are an example of what Modern Warriors (or Modern Warrior Archetypes) can be. A non-decadent society can chose such a path. These are people who remember who they are.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #10i

10. On Quantum Mechanics:
i. A running joke among physicists states that if one were to ask ten physicists to define quantum mechanics, you would get ten different answers. They would then commence to arguing over whose interpretation was right. Perhaps they all are?[10] Perhaps their intuitive development is stunted by an education that over-emphasizes formal and/or simplistic supporting mathematics. “Yes, it’s nice this equation proves a mathematical formalistic point. But what does it all mean?”

[10] (As supported by observation.)

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #9iii

9. On Causality:
iii. The tendency to see everything in terms of causes and effects was reinforced by pre-20th Century science, especially the formulation of Newtonian mechanics. The resulting belief of strict causation was described by the mathematician Pierre-Simon de Laplace as follows:

“An intelligence knowing, at a given instant of time, all forces acting in nature, as well as the momentary position of all things of which the universe consists, would be able to comprehend the motion of the largest bodies of the world and those of the lightest atoms in one single formula, provided his intellect was sufficiently powerful to subject all data to analysis; to him nothing would be uncertain, both past and future would be present in his eyes.”

This doctrine, sometimes called strict causality, advances the belief and idea of an all-knowing and all-seeing being, or in other words, God. As human beings are part of the universe, and therefore part of the grand equation, such philosophy also pretty much rejects any question concerning freewill. Although stated differently, these beliefs had previously manifested religiously in the form of such sects as the Calvinists and Puritans.[9] Classical physics strengthened these notions by adding a rational basis for determinism. Modern physics is another matter.

[9] Note the common thread of capitalism among the adherents from either age.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #9ii

9. On Causality:
ii. Supply and demand are economic manifestations of causality. In theory, needs and wants are mutually self sustaining with supply. In actuality, complexity makes all predications uncertain. This model also often neglects to account for historical or irrational forces. Competing systems may drive conflicts and hence economics as well. When dealing with a relatively rational adversary, conflict management is far less straining than fighting against forces seeking negation. Contact nodes are preferable to ill-defined boundaries. Systems have rules. Disruptions have consequences.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #9i

9. On Causality:
i. According to Kant, the human mind perceives all secessions of events as a chain of causes and effects. In a general perceptive sense, Kant’s observation distills the basic concepts of experience and memory. Human beings largely prefer simplicity in most things. Observations are akin to reference frames.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #8ii

ii. Physics makes for good metaphor. A metaphor is not a simile. Solely a human invention, reality does not recognize such constructs. Forced upon the world, the result is by definition anti-natural.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #8i

8i. Although seen less with each passing generation, some philosophers are physicists, and some physicists are philosophers. This duality is often indicative of a powerful intellect. The challenges toward the doctrine of causality during the development of quantum physics, and resulting reactions, are an example of the possible healthy interplay between physics and philosophy which ultimately strengthens both fields. However, both boats rise and fall with the tide. Care must be taken to avoid overreaching. Egoism and insecurity are poison to a technological society. Expertise in one field does not confer proficiency in all others.