This is a great analogy, Alamo-Girl! Classical physics is thought to be (certainly by Niels Bohr) a special, "limited case" of a more general, comprehensive theory, quantum theory. Newtonian mechanics "works" perfectly well in our ordinary experience, which is confined to a certain range of scales and velocities that are . Yet we know that what appear as bodies in classical physics at the quantum level are not simple "bodies" as all. Also classical physics is predicated on a certain notion of determinism, which the quantum theory shows is not the actual case at all, that uncertainty is built into the very base of the system (so to speak).
Not to say that classical mechanics has at all been obviated by quantum theory: It is eminently valuable in making descriptions/predictions within the range of "normal" scales where the effects of the quantum of action are too small to notice, and where velocities do not approach the level where relativistic effects begin to kick in. Still the "Newtonian universe" fits into a wider, more comprehensive descriptive framework that includes both quantum and relativistic effects.
Thank you so much for your excellent observations!
And the discussion you and A-G are having at this point, is about as important a thing to say as can be said as it pertains to the relationship between religion, philosophy, and science. It’s significance, I think, cannot be overstated.
But for those of us who have not acquired all the needed skills in science or philosophy to fully partake in every aspect of the discussion; we nevertheless are not without resources to arm ourselves against anyone who believe themselves so possessed of invincible virtue that they may bypass public policy or otherwise ignore human rights with impunity. So, as one who is in possession of a Bravo Sierra detector of a different sort, I would just like to express my appreciation for the efforts of all of the participants on this thread.
Ever hear of the "correspondence principle" ?
Cheers!