Quantum+Physics

// by Robert Carroll //
== 1. The term 'metaphysics' is often used to entail ideas and theories as to what kinds of beings are real, the nature of those beings and of the concepts and language used to think and speak or write about those beings. For example, a theory of mind would be a metaphysical theory concerned with mental phenomena and related concepts such as // perception, idea, consciousness, memory, intention, motive, reasoning, etc. // == == 2. However, typically, 'metaphysics' refers to broad theories of reality, such as materialism (** the view that there is only [|one substance] in the universe and that substance is physical) and dualism (the view that there is a material realm and a non-physical one) ** == ==// 3. Why is there something rather than nothing? // // Is there free will or is every action determined by causes? Was the universe created or has it always existed? Are there spiritual beings? Is there life after death? What is the nature of the universe, of substance, causality, etc.? // These are all metaphysical questions. ==

// The Main Theories Proposed by Quantum Physics // Author: //Jason Randhawa// -From http://www.whatismetaphysics.com/basicsofquantumphysics.html

Even the basics of quantum physics can seem confusing at first. The ideas that quantum physics are revealing do not seem to be something that would come from science. Such things as: And this is just the beginning of the basics of quantum physics. I have included an in-depth view on the some of the most interesting, main ideas of quantum physics.
 * Particles being in more than one place at once (a recent experiment found that one particle could be in up to 3,000 places!)
 * The same “object” may appear to be a particle (locatable in a single place), or a wave, spread out over space and time.
 * Subatomic particles seem to travel instantaneously over any expanse of space (even though Einstein said that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light)
 * In classical physics you could determine with certainty where it would go, given any set of conditions. But in quantum physics, you can never know with absolute certainty how a specific thing will turn out (deals with probabilities).


 * 1. Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle**
 * The process of observing appears to influence what is being observed
 * The observer is necessary to observe, and when they observe, they bring the thing that is being observed from a state/wave of probability to a particle of experience
 * In order for physicists to comprehend the data, they need to focus on the observer, rather than the data
 * Subatomic particles do not have properties separate from our minds
 * The act of measurement is creating that very reality it is measuring
 * Every human being has the ability to observe and change subatomic reality
 * It’s not only that you cannot measure something without influencing “it”, it is only something when it is being observed.
 * 2. Principle of Wave-Particle Duality**
 * Subatomic particles appear to have a dual nature. Depending upon how we look at them, they can be a particle or a wave.
 * A particle is a solid object with a specific location in space and time. A wave, on the other hand, is not a solid or localized. Instead, a wave is spread out, like a wave in water.
 * When you are not observing or measuring them, electrons or photons (particles of light) act as waves. They have no precise location, but exist as “probability fields.” But when you are observing or measuring them, they become a particle. When you take these actions, the probability field “collapses” into a solid object locatable in a specific place and time.
 * 3. Quantum Jump**
 * When an electron moves from orbit to orbit around the nucleus, they don’t move through space the way we would think, instead they move instantaneously
 * They disappear from one place, one orbit, and appear in another
 * Scientists also discovered that they could not determine exactly where the electrons would appear, or when they would jump. The best they can do is formulate the probabilities through Schrödinger’s wave equation.
 * 4. Parallel Universes**
 * Quantum Physics speculates the possibility of a parallel universe, or even three to four. A few scientists even speculate an infinite number of parallel universes.
 * A parallel universe is basically a duplicate copy, but slightly different universe from this one
 * One theory is that there is a mirror universe, and when you make a decision in this universe, an alternate `you' in the other universe makes the opposite decision
 * In each of these universes you, I, and all others who live, have lived, and will live are alive
 * We are composed of a large number of selves, scattered throughout these infinite parallel realities.

These are just the main ideas/ basics of quantum physics. There is still much more to the basics of quantum physics, but by now you should have a good idea of what this remarkable science is all about. A great overview of the basics of quantum physics and how it contrasts with the old science (Newtonian Physics, which is the science you learned in school), see the book [|The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav].

Lessons for Newtonian Physics: Can picture it Based on ordinary sense perceptions Describes //things//, individual objects in space and their changes in time. Predicts events Assumes an objective reality “out there” We can observe something without changing it. Claims to be based on “absolute truth”; the way that nature really is “behind the scenes.”

Lessons for Quantum Mechanics: Cannot picture it. Based on behavior of subatomic particles and systems not directly observable. Describes statistical behavior of //systems// Predicts probabilities Does not assume an objective reality apart from our experience We cannot observe something without changing it Claims only to correlate experience correctly

__**Quantum Physics: The Elegant Universe**__ Here's the link to a long & detailed Brian Greene PBS documentary on quantum physics: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/elegant-universe-einstein.html