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To: E. Pluribus Unum

“We observe quantum-mechanical behavior and use those observations, but we don’t understand them.”

It’s one thing to say that no one completely understands quantum mechanics, another to say there is nothing but rote observation.

“’I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics.’ —Richard Feynmann”

The same can basically be said for all modern physics, at least going back to Newton, based as it is on higher mathematics. They call math a language, but it’s not. It’s a convenient process for the efficient application of logic, and in a sense has a mind of its own. A scientist can be adept at math, be able to follow the necessary steps, and give you the bullet points as to what it all signifies. But they don’t really understand it. If they did, they’d be able to explain it with words instead of using math.

I’m just saying that though quantum mechanics is more esoteric than previous “paradigms,” it’s yet a coherent body of deductive knowledge. Scientists still cook up theories, express them in comprehensible “language,” and test them empirically. Too many guesses have been confirmed and upheld for too long for it to be nothing but mindless observation.


46 posted on 11/08/2010 10:28:55 AM PST by Tublecane
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To: Tublecane
So, explain what consciousness is.

You evidently know.

48 posted on 11/08/2010 10:32:11 AM PST by E. Pluribus Unum ("Government has no other end, but the preservation of property." --John Locke)
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