Ignorance of Modern Man
06 Dec 2010
The interesting thing, about modern man, is the belief that everything can be explained materially. This really goes back to Newton and his ability to derive laws, which appear to be able to predict the behavior of physical objects, from everyday objects to celestial objects.
As Hawking and Mlodinow allude to, there is an approach called model-dependent realism. It is based on the idea that our brains can only interpret the sensory information provided from our sensory organs by creating a model of the world. This concept is in fact supported by the way our eyes see our perceived reality. The images recorded are processed by our brain to provide a view. If here is damage to our visual field we do not see a picture with a hole in it, as a camera would, but we still see a complete picture view. A hand moving into the defect in the visual field simply disappears.
It turns out when such a model explains events with success, we tend to attribute the quality of reality or absolute truth extending even to any elements or concepts that we connect to such a model.
However, there are different ways in which the same physical situation could be modeled involving different fundamental elements and concepts, so as Hawking et. al. acknowledge, no one model is more real than the other, or simply, use is a matter of convenience.
The issue is that westerners have a great deal of cultural arrogance and feel that their modeling and explanation of the universe is more real than any other society’s. This is cultural arrogance and at the same time ignorance. This occurs, because it is based on the idea that the materialism model of Newton, because of its success, is absolute truth. Quantum Mechanics has shown this to be otherwise.
The interesting thing is that, because of this, other cultures have examined relationships, without pursuing a material basis for understanding. This has resulted in a non-material model for model dependent realism. This model has been just as successful for these societies in predicting outcome. However, because it has not been materialistic, western culture has rejected these models out of hand, as being ignorance. Certainly, our materialistic model would lead us to reject any other materialistic model out of hand. However, it can be seen that, in fact, rain dances do seem to be associated with rain, though they have no materialistic explanation. This does not place them beyond the realm of possibility or even the realm of scientific explanation. The attitude should be the same as that of Hawking, if the model can be used to predict outcome then it can be useful.
One Response
2010 Dec 15
Its unfortunate that this concept is not given the attention which it deserves. I feel especially disappointed because Newtonian physics and materialism look flawless on the surface, yet we can observe instances where according to Newtonian physics, simply would not be possible. Like most, the 99.9% of the physical world the laws of physics can explain and predict is quite convincing.
However, that .1% that is left unexplained…are we to assume that what seems to be impossible is “magic” or “supernatural” in nature, or are we to assume that the answers will someday come and will no doubt fit in perfectly with our current model?
So far as I know, there is no way to prove this concept definitively in a way that can be observed, measured, etc. using traditional methods. However, it is widely agreed upon that our consciousness shapes and influences the physical world to some extent. Creative visualization, the focusing of mental energy, the power of positive (and negative!) thinking, these are not far-out or new-age beliefs. They’re secrets!
My skepticism gave way when I began focusing my mental and emotional energies, using creative visualization I began applying my will and energies. I would see myself in my mind’s eye succeeding, visualize events unfolding to my advantage, etc. Nothing more than “the power of positive thinking”. With time and practice, I became convinced my consciousness was in some way constantly shaping and influencing the physical world. Whatever reality I created first in my mind would be the reality in the physical world. Aren’t we all aware of how our thoughts shape our reality in some sense? When we expect failure, we see ourselves failing, and lo and behold, failure is what occurs. Or, when you know success is certain and you are confident and believe you will succeed, you do. Or, how right as you release the bowling ball down the alley, sometimes you just know its a strike as soon as it leaves your hand.
Newtonian physics, materialism, this is a universe in which “magic” or “impossible” things can occur under the proper conditions. Consider the problems of the creation of the universe, the big-bang theory sounds more like magic than science. A sub-atomic particle (where did it come from?) contained all the mass in the universe, which was possible since the universe was not yet created so the laws of physics, time, space, gravity, did not yet exist. Then, something caused it to “bang” the universe into existence. Unsatisfactory.
Some propose a deity as a solution, a creator, yet then we are stuck once again with a creation (God) without a creator.
Quantum mechanics theory doesn’t have to break its own “laws” to explain the “impossible”, because thankfully that which is impossible according to Newtonian physics is shown to be possible.
Doctor Vassall does an outstanding job of making this knowledge, and its potential to change your perspective, better than anybody I’ve known by leaps and bounds. I believe he’s just way ahead of the curve in his understanding of Quantum Mechanics, and how a shift in perspective can improve your life, our world, and the universe itself.
Kudos Dr. Vassall!