Unknowable Reality. Science, Mathematics and Mystery. Aleksandar I. Zecevic Dept. of Electrical Engineering Santa Clara University
|
|
- Rosa Stokes
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Unknowable Reality Science, Mathematics and Mystery Aleksandar I. Zecevic Dept. of Electrical Engineering Santa Clara University
2 The Unknowable and the Counterintuitive A fundamental question in the debate between science and religion has to do with the fact that all religious traditions emphasize that certain aspects of reality are beyond our grasp. They speak of a cosmic mystery, and what they have to say about it is often thoroughly counterintuitive. Can scientifically minded individuals accept such claims, given that they are at odds with our everyday experience and cannot be verified by experiment or simulation? If they do so, are they in danger of being intellectually dishonest?
3 Are Certain Aspects of Reality Counterintuitive? Does the fact that certain theological claims are counterintuitive suggest that religion and science are incompatible? The answer to this question depends on what we think reality is really like. We can t know that for sure, of course, but what we do know suggests that physical reality is certainly not intuitive, and that some of the laws that govern it are very different from the tidy laws of classical physics. We will now look at several results from physics and mathematics that challenge our usual concepts, and seem to be at odds with our everyday experience.
4 Example 1: The State of Superposition The state of superposition in quantum particle is highly counterintuitive. Perhaps the best way to describe what this means is to consider an analogy with a coin toss. In the case of a coin toss, there are only two outcomes that our instruments can record heads-up or tails-up. But what state is the coin in while it is still in the air? We could perhaps describe this state by saying that the coin exists as a collection of unrealized possibilities which are mutually exclusive. Such a description would be entirely consistent with quantum mechanics, where seemingly incompatible states such as spin up and spin down can coexist when the particle is in a state of superposition.
5 Example 2: General Relativity Einstein s theory of gravity (which is known as general relativity) assumes that space is an active entity, rather than a mere container into which material objects are placed. Einstein s conjecture was that spacetime and matter actually interact, and that spacetime becomes curved in the presence of matter (or energy). Its geometric form is determined by the way in which the masses are distributed. Spacetime grips mass, telling it how to move; And mass grips spacetime, telling it how to curve. John Wheeler
6 Example 3: Infinity, Self-Similarity and Timeless Knowledge To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour. William Blake Blake s poem is actually scientifically correct in several ways. Fractals, for example, allow you to see a replica of the whole in the tiniest part, and can fit in the palm of your hand despite their infinite length. The phrase eternity in an hour, on the other hand, makes sense in the context of special relativity.
7 Special Relativity Special relativity suggests that we must forego our natural tendency to treat space and time as separate entities, and should instead view them as components of a unified four dimensional spacetime. It also tells us that if we could move at the speed of light, the distinction between the past, present and future would disappear (this phenomenon is known as time dilation). For such an observer, there would only be an eternal present moment.
8 Fractals A typical geometric figure has a characteristic scale, which corresponds to the size of its smallest feature. As a result, choosing a ruler length that is smaller than the characteristic scale ensures that we will accurately account for all the relevant details. In the case of fractals, we will fail to capture all the essential characteristics of the object no matter what resolution we choose, since new details are bound to emerge as we zoom in further. Such objects possess unlimited complexity.
9
10
11
12
13
14 The Koch Curve
15 Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand The Koch curve actually has an "invisible" microscopic structure whose cumulative length is infinite. Imagine that we have a measurement device which can distinguish segments that are as small as 10 ¹⁵ meters (this is roughly the diameter of an atomic nucleus). If our initial line happened to be 1 cm long, such a device would allow us to precisely record how the length of the object evolves during the first 32 steps of the construction process. The maximal length that we would be able to measure in this way is (4/3)³², which is slightly less than 100 meters. However, the length of the Koch curve grows as L(n)=(4/3)ⁿ and therefore tends to infinity as n increases.
16 What Can We Conclude From All This? Modern science clearly suggests that many aspects of physical reality are highly counterintuitive, and have little to do with the tidy Newtonian view of nature. Mathematics tells us something very similar, particularly when it comes to dealing with objects such as fractals or infinite sets, whose properties have no counterpart in our everyday experience. In view of that, the theological claim that certain aspects of reality transcend our usual concepts and categories doesn t sound unreasonable at all.
17 Does Science Leave Room for a Cosmic Mystery? Since all religious traditions emphasize the importance of mystery, it would be interesting to examine whether science leaves any room for this sort of speculation. The answer to this question hinges on what we can and cannot know about the nature of reality. We must, in other words, draw a clear distinction between the unknown and the unknowable.
18 How Do We Acquire Scientific Knowledge? What does it mean to know or explain something in science and mathematics? In physics, we usually formulate predictive models, and verify them by experiments and/or simulation. Alternatively, we make empirical observations, and then construct models that explain them. In math, we prove new theorems by systematically tracing them back to existing theorems and/or axioms. We will now consider several examples where these techniques fail us, and where we actually know what we cannot know.
19 Example 1: Chaos Theory Chaotic systems are infinitely sensitive to initial conditions and changes in parameters (a phenomenon that is sometimes referred to as the butterfly effect ). As a result, after a sufficiently long time the outcomes of two seemingly identical experiments will necessarily be very different. This means that we can empirically confirm only the short-term behavior of such systems.
20 The Chaotic Behavior of Long Term Weather Patterns
21 Is Chaos Just Another Form of Randomness? What is the difference between throwing dice and chaos? In the former case, there is uncertainty from the outset, and we must use probabilistic descriptions. In the case of chaos, our models are completely deterministic. There is short-term predictability, but long-term unpredictability eventually prevails. Here we have a mix of order and disorder, which is one of the trademarks of complex dynamic behavior.
22 Laws that can be Broken
23 Numerical Simulation If repeated experiments don t work for chaotic systems, can we use computer simulations instead? The difficulty here is that we would need an enormous amount of input information in order to maintain a given precision over longer simulation intervals. Simulati Input Input on Bits Bits Interval (normal (chaotic system) system) [0 1] [0 2] [0 3] : : : [0 100] 1,
24 Example 2: Quantum Mechanics Quantum mechanics is fundamentally indeterministic, since it cannot predict the outcome of a measurement. It only allows us to compute the probabilities of different outcomes when the experiment is repeated many times. Previous quantum measurements tell us nothing whatsoever about what will happen next (much like previous coin tosses have no bearing on future ones).
25 Do All Quantum Events Have a Cause? The quantum state of superposition allows for the coexistence of many mutually exclusive possibilities. When we perform a measurement, we will see exactly one of them, but we can never know why that particular configuration materialized. It is entirely possible that another observer would see a totally different outcome under identical conditions. There is no explanation for this discrepancy the concept of cause and effect does not apply in this case. Modern man has used cause and effect as ancient man used the gods to give order to the universe. This is not because it was the truest system, but because it was the most convenient. Henri Poincaré
26 Example 3: Global Phenomena Our understanding of the universe is inherently limited since all our observations are necessarily views from within. As a result, there may well be subtle regularities and global processes that we will never be able to identify. Do we have any reason to believe that global processes and phenomena actually exist in the universe? Quantum mechanics suggests that we do.
27 Einstein s Doubts about Quantum Mechanics Einstein never accepted the view that quantum mechanics is inherently indeterministic. He voiced his dislike for this interpretation with the famous phrase: God does not play dice with the universe. In the 1930s, Einstein and his two graduate students, Podolski and Rosen, produced what they thought was a decisive argument in favor of their view that quantum mechanics is an incomplete theory.
28 The EPR Paradox The EPR paradox is best described in terms of an experiment in which an atom with spin zero disintegrates into two smaller particles (say A and B) that fly off in different directions. According to quantum mechanics, prior to a measurement the state of each particle ought to be a superposition of up and down spins. If we happen to measure spin up for particle A, it is guaranteed that we will subsequently measure spin down for B, regardless of the distance between them (as a result of a quantum property known as entanglement). This is clearly a global phenomenon.
29 Spukhafte Fernwirkung? Einstein referred to this phenomenon as spukhafte Fernwirkung or spooky action at a distance. He suggested that particles A and B were really subject to hidden deterministic laws, and are both in a state of definite spin which is decided at their birth. Einstein was proved wrong, but not in his lifetime. The decisive experiment was performed some 25 years after his death by French physicist Alain Aspect and his collaborators.
30 Quantum Mechanics is Non-Local As a result of Bell s theorem and the experiments it stimulated, a supposedly purely philosophical question has now been answered in the laboratory: There is a universal connectedness. Any objects that have ever interacted continue to instantaneously influence each other. Events at the edge of the galaxy influence what happens at the edge of your garden. Bruce Rosenblum
31 Example 4: Unprovable Propositions in Geometry A
32 Implications of Unprovability The existence of unprovable propositions presents us with two logically equivalent options. We can either adopt such propositions as axioms (i.e. truths), or we can choose their opposites as axioms. In making such decisions, it is completely irrelevant whether one of the choices is less intuitive than the other. The fact that non-euclidean geometries seem to defy our conventional understanding of spatial relationships doesn't undermine their validity in the least.
33 An Alternative to Euclid s Fifth Axiom
34 Example 5: Gödel s Theorem Mathematical knowledge is based on axioms and formal rules which allow us to derive theorems from them. Until the early1930s, it was almost universally believed that every formal mathematical statement can be classified as True or False (a property known as completeness ). Gödel showed that this is not the case, and that every sufficiently complex formal system necessarily contains unprovable propositions. This famous result is known as the Incompleteness Theorem.
35 The Mystery is Alive and Well These examples suggest that certain facts about nature are unknowable. In that respect, science is clearly open to the existence of a cosmic mystery, and actually reinforces this idea. How we interpret the mystery is a different matter we may embrace it and give it a personal character, or we could adopt a neutral attitude and simply recognize that we are not in complete control.
36 Who is Being More Rational Here? Would it be fair to say that one of these views is more rational than the other one? Mathematics teaches us that unprovable propositions present us with two logically equivalent options. We can either adopt such propositions as axioms, or we can choose their opposites. In making such decisions, it is completely irrelevant whether one of the choices is less intuitive than the other. If we apply this criterion to the nature of the cosmic mystery (which certainly qualifies as an unprovable proposition ) the religious interpretation seems to be just as acceptable as the secular one.
37 Religion and Knowledge Whatever we may think of theological claims, it is important to remember that knowledge is not the enemy of religion - it is the enemy of superstition. Theology sees all knowledge as fundamentally good, but stresses that certain truths cannot be known by reason alone. The fact that science acknowledges that such unknowable truths exist can help remove certain perceived barriers to religious belief. As we continue to learn more about the structure of the universe, we should never lose sight of the fact that a profound mystery lies at the heart of the cosmic order. This should instill a sense of awe and humility in all of us, regardless of whether our world view is religious or secular.
38 A Touch of Humility Man, formerly too humble, begins to think of himself as almost God. In all this, I feel a grave danger, the danger of what might be called cosmic impiety. The concept of truth as something outside human control has been one of the ways in which philosophy hitherto has inculcated the necessary element of humility. When this check upon pride is removed, a further step is taken on the road towards a certain kind of madness. I am persuaded that this intoxication is the greatest danger of our time. Bertrand Russell
Quantum Entanglement. Chapter Introduction. 8.2 Entangled Two-Particle States
Chapter 8 Quantum Entanglement 8.1 Introduction In our final chapter on quantum mechanics we introduce the concept of entanglement. This is a feature of two-particle states (or multi-particle states) in
More informationIntroduction to Bell s theorem: the theory that solidified quantum mechanics
Introduction to Bells theorem: the theory that solidified quantum mechanics Jia Wang Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (Received November 30,
More information226 My God, He Plays Dice! Entanglement. Chapter This chapter on the web informationphilosopher.com/problems/entanglement
226 My God, He Plays Dice! Entanglement Chapter 29 20 This chapter on the web informationphilosopher.com/problems/entanglement Entanglement 227 Entanglement Entanglement is a mysterious quantum phenomenon
More informationCosmology Lecture 2 Mr. Kiledjian
Cosmology Lecture 2 Mr. Kiledjian Lecture 2: Quantum Mechanics & Its Different Views and Interpretations a) The story of quantum mechanics begins in the 19 th century as the physicists of that day were
More information3/10/11. Which interpreta/on sounds most reasonable to you? PH300 Modern Physics SP11
3// PH3 Modern Physics SP The problems of language here are really serious. We wish to speak in some way about the structure of the atoms. But we cannot speak about atoms in ordinary language. Recently:.
More informationMax Planck, Nobel Prize in Physics and inventor of Quantum Mechanics said:
Max Planck, Nobel Prize in Physics and inventor of Quantum Mechanics said: As a man who has devoted his whole life to the most clear-headed science, to the study of matter, I can tell you as a result of
More informationA Re-Evaluation of Schrodinger s Cat Paradox
A Re-Evaluation of Schrodinger s Cat Paradox Wells Lucas Santo 5 December 2012 PL2293 Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics Professor Jonathan Bain 1 1 Introduction This paper is a re-examination of the famous
More informationSuperposition - World of Color and Hardness
Superposition - World of Color and Hardness We start our formal discussion of quantum mechanics with a story about something that can happen to various particles in the microworld, which we generically
More informationChapter 14. From Randomness to Probability. Copyright 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 14 From Randomness to Probability Copyright 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. Dealing with Random Phenomena A random phenomenon is a situation in which we know what outcomes could happen,
More informationHSSP Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics 08/07/11 Lecture Notes
HSSP Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics 08/07/11 Lecture Notes Outline: 1. Homework 4 (discuss reading assignment) 2. The Measurement Problem 3. GRW theory Handouts: None Homework: Yes Vocabulary/Equations:
More informationCritical Notice: Bas van Fraassen, Scientific Representation: Paradoxes of Perspective Oxford University Press, 2008, xiv pages
Critical Notice: Bas van Fraassen, Scientific Representation: Paradoxes of Perspective Oxford University Press, 2008, xiv + 408 pages by Bradley Monton June 24, 2009 It probably goes without saying that
More informationModern Physics notes Spring 2007 Paul Fendley Lecture 27
Modern Physics notes Spring 2007 Paul Fendley fendley@virginia.edu Lecture 27 Angular momentum and positronium decay The EPR paradox Feynman, 8.3,.4 Blanton, http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/quantum/bells
More informationDick's PhAQs II: Philosopher-Asked Questions
Home Dick's PhAQs II: Philosopher-Asked Questions Answers from Dick's quantum consciousness model (concept model) to questions that have always puzzled philosophers (This material is the summary section
More informationRussell s logicism. Jeff Speaks. September 26, 2007
Russell s logicism Jeff Speaks September 26, 2007 1 Russell s definition of number............................ 2 2 The idea of reducing one theory to another.................... 4 2.1 Axioms and theories.............................
More informationUnitary evolution: this axiom governs how the state of the quantum system evolves in time.
CS 94- Introduction Axioms Bell Inequalities /7/7 Spring 7 Lecture Why Quantum Computation? Quantum computers are the only model of computation that escape the limitations on computation imposed by the
More informationALBERT EINSTEIN AND THE FABRIC OF TIME by Gevin Giorbran
ALBERT EINSTEIN AND THE FABRIC OF TIME by Gevin Giorbran Surprising as it may be to most non-scientists and even to some scientists, Albert Einstein concluded in his later years that the past, present,
More informationThe nature of Reality: Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Argument in QM
The nature of Reality: Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Argument in QM Michele Caponigro ISHTAR, Bergamo University Abstract From conceptual point of view, we argue about the nature of reality inferred from EPR
More informationObjective probability-like things with and without objective indeterminism
Journal reference: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 38 (2007) 626 Objective probability-like things with and without objective indeterminism László E. Szabó Theoretical Physics Research
More informationLooking at Scripture with New Eyes: A Chance Conversation Between Faith and Science
1 Looking at Scripture with New Eyes: A Chance Conversation Between Faith and Science William K. Lewis Fairmont Presbyterian Church College Ministry Team One of the things I really enjoy about education
More informationA mathematician sees room for miracles. July 2009 (minor typos fixed 2/2010) Edward Ordman ordman.net Comments requested
A mathematician sees room for miracles. July 2009 (minor typos fixed 2/2010) Edward Ordman edward @ ordman.net Comments requested This is an -extremely- rough draft. I d like to write it up more formally
More informationSTA Module 4 Probability Concepts. Rev.F08 1
STA 2023 Module 4 Probability Concepts Rev.F08 1 Learning Objectives Upon completing this module, you should be able to: 1. Compute probabilities for experiments having equally likely outcomes. 2. Interpret
More informationCOPENHAGEN INTERPRETATION:
QUANTUM PHILOSOPHY PCES 4.41 Perhaps the most difficult things to understand about QM are (i) how to reconcile our common sense ideas about physical reality with phenomena such as entanglement, & (ii)
More informationQuotations from other works that I have written
Quotations from other works that I have written (Including supporting documentation from other sources) The following five groups of quotations are in numerical order of what I consider to be of the greatest
More informationBell s Theorem 1964 Local realism is in conflict with quantum mechanics
Bell s Theorem 1964 Local realism is in conflict with quantum mechanics the most profound discovery in science in the last half of the twentieth century. For a technical presentation search Youtube.com
More information11/26/2018 Photons, Quasars and the Possibility of Free Will - Scientific American Blog Network. Observations
Observations Photons, Quasars and the Possibility of Free Will Flickers of light from the edge of the cosmos help physicists advance the idea that the future is not predetermined By Brian Koberlein on
More informationProbability and Statistics
Probability and Statistics Kristel Van Steen, PhD 2 Montefiore Institute - Systems and Modeling GIGA - Bioinformatics ULg kristel.vansteen@ulg.ac.be CHAPTER 4: IT IS ALL ABOUT DATA 4a - 1 CHAPTER 4: IT
More informationLecture 4. QUANTUM MECHANICS FOR MULTIPLE QUBIT SYSTEMS
Lecture 4. QUANTUM MECHANICS FOR MULTIPLE QUBIT SYSTEMS 4.1 Multiple Qubits Next we consider a system of two qubits. If these were two classical bits, then there would be four possible states,, 1, 1, and
More informationA Little History Incompleteness The First Theorem The Second Theorem Implications. Gödel s Theorem. Anders O.F. Hendrickson
Gödel s Theorem Anders O.F. Hendrickson Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Concordia College, Moorhead, MN Math/CS Colloquium, November 15, 2011 Outline 1 A Little History 2 Incompleteness
More informationIt From Bit Or Bit From Us?
It From Bit Or Bit From Us? Majid Karimi Research Group on Foundations of Quantum Theory and Information Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology On its 125 th anniversary, July 1 st, 2005
More informationWe can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.!
PuNng Local Realism to the Test We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.! - Albert Einstein! Day 39: Ques1ons? Revisit EPR-Argument Tes1ng Local Realism
More informationSinglet State Correlations
Chapter 23 Singlet State Correlations 23.1 Introduction This and the following chapter can be thought of as a single unit devoted to discussing various issues raised by a famous paper published by Einstein,
More informationQuantum Physics & Reality
Quantum Physics & Reality Todd Duncan Science Integration Institute (www.scienceintegration.org) & PSU Center for Science Education Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it. -
More informationHugh Everett III s Many Worlds
236 My God, He Plays Dice! Hugh Everett III s Many Worlds Many Worlds 237 Hugh Everett III s Many Worlds Hugh Everett III was one of John Wheeler s most famous graduate students. Others included Richard
More informationA review on quantum teleportation based on: Teleporting an unknown quantum state via dual classical and Einstein- Podolsky-Rosen channels
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY 57 VOLUME NUMBER DECEMBER 8 005 A review on quantum teleportation based on: Teleporting an unknown quantum state via dual classical and Einstein- Podolsky-Rosen channels Miri Shlomi
More informationDelayed Choice Paradox
Chapter 20 Delayed Choice Paradox 20.1 Statement of the Paradox Consider the Mach-Zehnder interferometer shown in Fig. 20.1. The second beam splitter can either be at its regular position B in where the
More informationQ8 Lecture. State of Quantum Mechanics EPR Paradox Bell s Thm. Physics 201: Lecture 1, Pg 1
Physics 56: Lecture Q8 Lecture State of Quantum Mechanics EPR Paradox Bell s Thm Physics 01: Lecture 1, Pg 1 Question Richard Feynman said, [the double-slit experiment] has in it the heart of quantum mechanics;
More information228 My God - He Plays Dice! Schrödinger s Cat. Chapter 28. This chapter on the web informationphilosopher.com/problems/scrodingerscat
228 My God - He Plays Dice! Schrödinger s Cat This chapter on the web informationphilosopher.com/problems/scrodingerscat Schrödinger s Cat Schrödinger s Cat Erwin Schrödinger s goal for his infamous cat-killing
More informationEinstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell s inequalities
Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell s inequalities Jan Schütz November 27, 2005 Abstract Considering the Gedankenexperiment of Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen as example the nonlocal character of quantum
More informationACTIVITY 5. Figure 5-1: Simulated electron interference pattern with your prediction for the next electron s position.
Name: WAVES of matter Class: Visual Quantum Mechanics ACTIVITY 5 Interpr preting Wave Functions Goal We will return to the two- slit experiment for electrons. Using this experiment we will see how matter
More informationStochastic Histories. Chapter Introduction
Chapter 8 Stochastic Histories 8.1 Introduction Despite the fact that classical mechanics employs deterministic dynamical laws, random dynamical processes often arise in classical physics, as well as in
More informationPoincaré, Heisenberg, Gödel. Some limits of scientific knowledge. Fernando Sols Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Poincaré, Heisenberg, Gödel. Some limits of scientific knowledge. Fernando Sols Universidad Complutense de Madrid Henry Poincaré (1854-1912) nonlinear dynamics Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976) uncertainty
More informationGenesis and Time: 6 Days and 13.8 Billion Years Hugh Henry, Ph.D. Lecturer in Physics Northern Kentucky University
The Problem Genesis and Time: 6 Days and 13.8 Billion Years Hugh Henry, Ph.D. Lecturer in Physics Northern Kentucky University Room for Doubt Apologetics Conference March 20-21, 2015 Cincinnati Christian
More informationThe Pound-Rebka Experiment as Disproof of Einstein s General Relativity Gravity Theory.
The Pound-Rebka Experiment as Disproof of Einstein s General Relativity Gravity Theory. By James Carter When Einstein first used his equations to predict the transverse gravitational red shift of photons
More informationHardy s Paradox. Chapter Introduction
Chapter 25 Hardy s Paradox 25.1 Introduction Hardy s paradox resembles the Bohm version of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox, discussed in Chs. 23 and 24, in that it involves two correlated particles,
More informationPhysics and Faith 4. Rumors of a Designer Creator and Sustainer, Part III. The Ground of Physical Being in Quantum Physics
Physics and Faith 4. Rumors of a Designer Creator and Sustainer, Part III. The Ground of Physical Being in Quantum Physics Introduction In the last two sessions we have considered four contingencies or
More informationWhat Is Classical Physics?
Lecture : The Nature of Classical Physics Somewhere in Steinbeck country two tired men sit down at the side of the road. Lenny combs his beard with his fingers and says, Tell me about the laws of physics,
More informationChapter 24: A Brief Introduction to Quantum Theory
Worldviews, by Richard Dewitt Chapter 24: A Brief Introduction to Quantum Theory Special and General Relativity fundamentally undermined Newtonian intuitions about space and time, but it fundamentally
More informationStochastic Quantum Dynamics I. Born Rule
Stochastic Quantum Dynamics I. Born Rule Robert B. Griffiths Version of 25 January 2010 Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 Born Rule 1 2.1 Statement of the Born Rule................................ 1 2.2 Incompatible
More informationFormal Epistemology: Lecture Notes. Horacio Arló-Costa Carnegie Mellon University
Formal Epistemology: Lecture Notes Horacio Arló-Costa Carnegie Mellon University hcosta@andrew.cmu.edu Bayesian Epistemology Radical probabilism doesn t insists that probabilities be based on certainties;
More informationEnter Heisenberg, Exit Common Sense
Enter Heisenberg, Exit Common Sense W. Blaine Dowler July 10, 2010 1 Unanswered Questions The questions raised to date which still have not been answered are as follows: 1. The basic building blocks of
More informationThe Relativistic Quantum World
The Relativistic Quantum World A lecture series on Relativity Theory and Quantum Mechanics Marcel Merk University of Maastricht, Sept 24 Oct 15, 2014 Relativity Quantum Mechanics The Relativistic Quantum
More information30 Days to Awakening
Formula for Miracles Presents 30 Days to Awakening Thousands of Years of Spiritual Wisdom Revealed in Fun, Ten Minute Insights 2012-2013 Brent Phillips www.formulaformiracles.net Day 25: Truth: Behind
More informationWe introduce one more operation on sets, perhaps the most important
11. The power set Please accept my resignation. I don t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member. Groucho Marx We introduce one more operation on sets, perhaps the most important one:
More information35 Chapter CHAPTER 4: Mathematical Proof
35 Chapter 4 35 CHAPTER 4: Mathematical Proof Faith is different from proof; the one is human, the other is a gift of God. Justus ex fide vivit. It is this faith that God Himself puts into the heart. 21
More informationBell s inequalities and their uses
The Quantum Theory of Information and Computation http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/activities/quantum/course/ Bell s inequalities and their uses Mark Williamson mark.williamson@wofson.ox.ac.uk 10.06.10 Aims
More informationQuantum Openness and the Sovereignty of God. by Don Petcher Department of Physics Covenant College
Quantum Openness and the Sovereignty of God by Don Petcher Department of Physics Covenant College Outline Some Preliminary Remarks What motivates the talk Assumptions for the talk Evidence for Openness
More informationIntroduction to Logic and Axiomatic Set Theory
Introduction to Logic and Axiomatic Set Theory 1 Introduction In mathematics, we seek absolute rigor in our arguments, and a solid foundation for all of the structures we consider. Here, we will see some
More informationPROOF-THEORETIC REDUCTION AS A PHILOSOPHER S TOOL
THOMAS HOFWEBER PROOF-THEORETIC REDUCTION AS A PHILOSOPHER S TOOL 1. PROOF-THEORETIC REDUCTION AND HILBERT S PROGRAM Hilbert s program in the philosophy of mathematics comes in two parts. One part is a
More informationPhysics, Time and Determinism
Physics, Time and Determinism M.P. Vaughan Free will and determinism Some definitions: 1. Free will is the capacity of an agent to chose a particular outcome 2. Determinism is the notion that all events
More informationA Classification of Hidden-Variable Properties
A Classification of Hidden-Variable Properties Joint work with Adam Brandenburger Noson S. Yanofsky Brooklyn College and The Graduate Center, CUNY noson@sci.brooklyn.cuny.edu Quantum Logic Inspired by
More informationWe saw last time how the development of accurate clocks in the 18 th and 19 th centuries transformed human cultures over the world.
We saw last time how the development of accurate clocks in the 18 th and 19 th centuries transformed human cultures over the world. They also allowed for the precise physical measurements of time needed
More informationEPR Paradox and Bell Inequalities
Chapter 24 EPR Paradox and Bell Inequalities 24.1 Bohm Version of the EPR Paradox Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen (EPR) were concerned with the following issue. Given two spatially separated quantum systems
More informationSimply Relativity Copyright Max Morriss Abstract
Simply Relativity Copyright Max Morriss 2008 Abstract There s something about the probabilistic formulation of Quantum Mechanics that doesn t sit right with me. I began contemplating various ways to visualize
More informationThe paradox of knowability, the knower, and the believer
The paradox of knowability, the knower, and the believer Last time, when discussing the surprise exam paradox, we discussed the possibility that some claims could be true, but not knowable by certain individuals
More informationA Very Brief and Shallow Introduction to: Complexity, Chaos, and Fractals. J. Kropp
A Very Brief and Shallow Introduction to: Complexity, Chaos, and Fractals J. Kropp Other Possible Titles: Chaos for Dummies Learn Chaos in 1 hour All you need to know about Chaos Definition of Complexity
More informationMath 144 Summer 2012 (UCR) Pro-Notes June 24, / 15
Before we start, I want to point out that these notes are not checked for typos. There are prbally many typeos in them and if you find any, please let me know as it s extremely difficult to find them all
More informationDECISIONS UNDER UNCERTAINTY
August 18, 2003 Aanund Hylland: # DECISIONS UNDER UNCERTAINTY Standard theory and alternatives 1. Introduction Individual decision making under uncertainty can be characterized as follows: The decision
More informationQuantum Mechanics: Interpretation and Philosophy
Quantum Mechanics: Interpretation and Philosophy Significant content from: Quantum Mechanics and Experience by David Z. Albert, Harvard University Press (1992). Main Concepts: -- complementarity -- the
More informationHow Does Mathematics Compare to Other Subjects? Other subjects: Study objects anchored in physical space and time. Acquire and prove knowledge primarily by inductive methods. Have subject specific concepts
More informationINTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC L. MARIZZA A. BAILEY 1. The beginning of Modern Mathematics Before Euclid, there were many mathematicians that made great progress in the knowledge of numbers, algebra and geometry.
More information15 Skepticism of quantum computing
15 Skepticism of quantum computing Last chapter, we talked about whether quantum states should be thought of as exponentially long vectors, and I brought up class BQP/qpoly and concepts like quantum advice.
More informationAvoiding the Block Universe: A Reply to Petkov Peter Bokulich Boston University Draft: 3 Feb. 2006
Avoiding the Block Universe: A Reply to Petkov Peter Bokulich Boston University pbokulic@bu.edu Draft: 3 Feb. 2006 Key Points: 1. Petkov assumes that the standard relativistic interpretations of measurement
More informationWhy is the Universe Described in Mathematics? This essay attempts to address the questions, "Why is the Universe described in
Connelly Barnes Why is the Universe Described in Mathematics? This essay attempts to address the questions, "Why is the Universe described in mathematics?" and "Is mathematics a human creation, specific
More informationLecture 2: Quantum Mechanics & Uncertainty. Today s song: I Know But I Don t Know- Blondie
Lecture 2: Quantum Mechanics & Uncertainty Today s song: I Know But I Don t Know- Blondie 1 Practicalities Substantial draft for blog assignment due next Monday. (See rubric for details on grading) Homework
More informationHow does it work? QM describes the microscopic world in a way analogous to how classical mechanics (CM) describes the macroscopic world.
Today Quantum Mechanics (QM) is used in the university and beyond on a regular basis: Chemical bonds NMR spectroscopy The laser (blue beam in Blue-ray player; red beam in a DVD player for example) The
More informationWe prove that the creator is infinite Turing machine or infinite Cellular-automaton.
Do people leave in Matrix? Information, entropy, time and cellular-automata The paper proves that we leave in Matrix. We show that Matrix was built by the creator. By this we solve the question how everything
More informationBell s Theorem. Ben Dribus. June 8, Louisiana State University
Bell s Theorem Ben Dribus Louisiana State University June 8, 2012 Introduction. Quantum Theory makes predictions that challenge intuitive notions of physical reality. Einstein and others were sufficiently
More informationThe Curious World of the Very Very Small
1 The Curious World of the Very Very Small Dr Steve Barrett Jan 2008 2 Introduction Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler 3 Introduction A Sense of Scale Metres Nanometres A
More informationTHE NSTP (NON SPATIAL THINKING PROCESS) THEORY
THE NSTP (NON SPATIAL THINKING PROCESS) THEORY COPYRIGHT KEDAR JOSHI 2007 The NSTP theory is a (philosophy of mind) semi-idealistic as well as semi-dualistic theory that the material universe, where some
More informationThe controlled-not (CNOT) gate exors the first qubit into the second qubit ( a,b. a,a + b mod 2 ). Thus it permutes the four basis states as follows:
C/CS/Phys C9 Qubit gates, EPR, ell s inequality 9/8/05 Fall 005 Lecture 4 Two-qubit gate: COT The controlled-not (COT) gate exors the first qubit into the second qubit ( a,b a,a b = a,a + b mod ). Thus
More informationTEACHING INDEPENDENCE AND EXCHANGEABILITY
TEACHING INDEPENDENCE AND EXCHANGEABILITY Lisbeth K. Cordani Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia, Brasil Sergio Wechsler Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil lisbeth@maua.br Most part of statistical literature,
More informationV. Probability. by David M. Lane and Dan Osherson
V. Probability by David M. Lane and Dan Osherson Prerequisites none F.Introduction G.Basic Concepts I.Gamblers Fallacy Simulation K.Binomial Distribution L.Binomial Demonstration M.Base Rates Probability
More informationCoins and Counterfactuals
Chapter 19 Coins and Counterfactuals 19.1 Quantum Paradoxes The next few chapters are devoted to resolving a number of quantum paradoxes in the sense of giving a reasonable explanation of a seemingly paradoxical
More informationMaking Sense. Tom Carter. tom/sfi-csss. April 2, 2009
Making Sense Tom Carter http://astarte.csustan.edu/ tom/sfi-csss April 2, 2009 1 Making Sense Introduction / theme / structure 3 Language and meaning 6 Language and meaning (ex)............... 7 Theories,
More informationIn Being and Nothingness, Sartre identifies being-for-itself as consisting in the
POINCARÉ, SARTRE, CONTINUITY AND TEMPORALITY JONATHAN GINGERICH Thus temporality is not a universal time containing all beings and in particular human realities. Neither is it a law of development which
More informationPhysical Systems. Chapter 11
Chapter 11 Physical Systems Until now we have ignored most aspects of physical systems by dealing only with abstract ideas such as information. Although we assumed that each bit stored or transmitted was
More informationUnderstanding Quantum Physics An Interview with Anton Zeilinger
Understanding Quantum Physics An Interview with Anton Zeilinger Igor DOTSENKO and Guillaume KASPERSKI Anton Zeilinger is an Austrian quantum physicist. His research focuses on the fundamental aspects and
More informationPure Quantum States Are Fundamental, Mixtures (Composite States) Are Mathematical Constructions: An Argument Using Algorithmic Information Theory
Pure Quantum States Are Fundamental, Mixtures (Composite States) Are Mathematical Constructions: An Argument Using Algorithmic Information Theory Vladik Kreinovich and Luc Longpré Department of Computer
More informationPHILOSOPHY OF PHYSICS (Spring 2002) 1 Substantivalism vs. relationism. Lecture 17: Substantivalism vs. relationism
17.1 432018 PHILOSOPHY OF PHYSICS (Spring 2002) Lecture 17: Substantivalism vs. relationism Preliminary reading: Sklar, pp. 69-82. We will now try to assess the impact of Relativity Theory on the debate
More informationMight have Minkowski discovered the cause of gravity before Einstein? Vesselin Petkov Minkowski Institute Montreal, Canada
Might have Minkowski discovered the cause of gravity before Einstein? Vesselin Petkov Minkowski Institute Montreal, Canada OUTLINE We will never know how physics would have developed had Hermann Minkowski
More informationThe Philosophy of Physics. Is Space Absolute or Relational?
The Philosophy of Physics Lecture Two Is Space Absolute or Relational? Rob Trueman rob.trueman@york.ac.uk University of York Newton s Absolute Motion and Acceleration Is Space Absolute or Relational? Newton
More informationProbability theory basics
Probability theory basics Michael Franke Basics of probability theory: axiomatic definition, interpretation, joint distributions, marginalization, conditional probability & Bayes rule. Random variables:
More informationTRACING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE
TRACING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE James A. Putnam 2003 There is no natural discontinuity between life and the rest of creation. Scientific conclusions that include discontinuity in the operation of the universe
More informationUncertainty. Michael Peters December 27, 2013
Uncertainty Michael Peters December 27, 20 Lotteries In many problems in economics, people are forced to make decisions without knowing exactly what the consequences will be. For example, when you buy
More informationIntroduction to Logic
Introduction to Logic L. Marizza A. Bailey June 21, 2014 The beginning of Modern Mathematics Before Euclid, there were many mathematicians that made great progress in the knowledge of numbers, algebra
More informationEmergent proper+es and singular limits: the case of +me- irreversibility. Sergio Chibbaro Institut d Alembert Université Pierre et Marie Curie
Emergent proper+es and singular limits: the case of +me- irreversibility Sergio Chibbaro Institut d Alembert Université Pierre et Marie Curie Introduction: Definition of emergence I J Kim 2000 The whole
More informationCHAPTER 1. Introduction
CHAPTER 1 Introduction A typical Modern Geometry course will focus on some variation of a set of axioms for Euclidean geometry due to Hilbert. At the end of such a course, non-euclidean geometries (always
More informationThe Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen thought-experiment and Bell s theorem
PHYS419 Lecture 0 The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen thought-experiment and Bell s theorem 1 The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen thought-experiment and Bell s theorem As first shown by Bell (1964), the force of the arguments
More informationShadows of the Mind. A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness ROGER PENROSE. Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics University of Oxford
Shadows of the Mind A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness ROGER PENROSE Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics University of Oxford Oxford New York Melbourne OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 1994 CONTENTS
More informationSklar s Maneuver. Bradford Skow ABSTRACT
Brit. J. Phil. Sci. 58 (2007), 777 786 Sklar s Maneuver Bradford Skow ABSTRACT Sklar ([1974]) claimed that relationalism about ontology the doctrine that space and time do not exist is compatible with
More information