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.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #7

7. Although physics and philosophy travel different paths through the world of truth, an occasional intersection may be found. When physics reaches the furthest extant of its reach, which can often be a grey, uncertain area, then philosophy holds sway. Often the philosophical species encountered will manifest as metaphysics. Conceived forces, causes and effects can be useful tools for the scientist pushing the boundary of human knowledge. Possibilities may provide avenues worth exploring. Metaphysical musing lacking a basis in physical reality are little more than mysticism at best, or intellectual self-stimulation at least. Modern truth requires proof.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #6

6. Physics is a science based on the study of the material world and associated phenomena. A combination of mathematics and observation form the basis for attempting to ascertain physical laws and the causes of certain occurrences. Its successes are apparent. Its failures are not illuminated by its limitations. The inability, to see where its questions are no longer answerable by its methods, is a flaw. Consciousness is a case in point. Why does it exist? “Explain the mind? How absurd.” Despite positivist pretensions, some questions have not even begun to be asked.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #5ii

5ii. Postmodern “thought” is a large factor in the degeneration of academic humanities.[7] Meaninglessness taints anything contacted or connected to its advocates. If it were not so harmful to intellectual development, this utter garbage would be laughable. Among its crimes against intelligence,[8] postmodernism has made philosophy appear to be a waste of time. Mediocrity impoverishes everything.

[7] See Curtis White, The Middle Mind (2003) for further reading.

[8] Even the dullest Creationist is more respectable. At least regressive religious interpretations pretensions toward science are based on tradition. Brainless fools aren’t just found in church.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #5i

5i. Hobbes stated that philosophy is “a knowledge of effects from causes, and causes from their effects.” A scientist attempts to observe the pattern of occurrences in his or her particular field of study, whereas a philosopher tries to observe the pattern of happenings as a whole.[6] Both approaches have merit. So why, in the modern era, do almost none attempt to do both? A specialist misses much, but is better paid (as opposed to not at all).

[6] As evidenced by the babbling of either a free market or Marxist ideologue. Determinism is determinism.

Physics and Philosophy - Thoughts on the Implications of Quantum Mechanics, and Other Matters #4

4. Science is a search for truth through facts. Philosophy is the search for truth through ideas. Those possessing neither facts nor ideas have no truth. The absence of truth is not necessarily a lie. The very young are innocent. Lies are not an unavoidable part of aging.

Despicable People

Despicable People is my new "humor" blog. Check it out.