Apparently most physicists prefer to avoid philosophical discussions about the quantum enigma. Einstein called it “spooky actions;” today it’s called “entanglement.” Either way, FAPP (for all practical purposes), this unresolved mystery isn’t material to actual application of quantum mechanics. We can reap the benefits of lasers, transistors, CCDs used in semiconductor chips, and MRIs without cracking this paradox.
Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner describe the quantum enigma and how their profession treats it in their book Quantum Enigma; Physics Encounters Consciousness. They are among a growing community of physicists willing to “explore the boundary where physics meets speculative philosophy.” They want physicists to own what is called the skeleton in their closet. They don’t want to “concede the field to the purveyors of pseudoscience” – what they call “pedagogical hyperbole.” These are smart dudes, and they don’t want whackos spreading fake science just because scientists can’t, and won’t, explain it.
I cut my teeth on pseudoscience. Well nearly – (see! I’m a master exaggerator!) I gobbled up “Seth Speaks” and every new age practice I could get my hands on. Even convinced one of my Philosophy professors it was a good idea to write a paper comparing and contrasting the writings of Jane Roberts with existentialism; specifically Jean-Paul Satre! I’m drawn to the mystery; to understanding intuition, our collective unconscious – the hidden secrets. Didn’t know that physics had an enigma. What’s it all about? What IS the jumping off point “where physics meets philosophy?” No doubt I’ll have an opinion about that intersection.
Grounding myself in the basics of physics. THANK YOU, Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner. Your cool stories and non-techi language aren’t baking my brain. I appreciate the teasers about “free will” and “determinism” – very philosophical of you.
Some of my friends say they live in the real world. Me? Please no – I love my rose colored glasses. Still, their views influence me to investigate, dig – explore and understand what science has to say. Who knew everything was so murky; or as Einstein said – “spooky.”
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
“In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete.” – Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life
2 Replies to “Enigmas and Pseudoscience”