[dinoparty]

I have no problem with increasing knowledge of particles, etc. especially if it leads to practical benefits. I do have a problem, however, with the assumption that the underlying particles and energy are somehow more “real” than our common sense experience. For instance, something cannot be both a particle and not a particle ... this violates the law of noncontradiction which is the very basis of our logic ... which is, incidentally the very logic that we use when we analyze something using the scientific method.

[sirchtruth]

I do have a problem, however, with the assumption that the underlying particles and energy are somehow more “real” than our common sense experience. For instance, something cannot be both a particle and not a particle ... this violates the law of noncontradiction which is the very basis of our logic ... which is, incidentally the very logic that we use when we analyze something using the scientific method.

That is the whole point! It does violate the LONC as far as we comprehend it, that's why some crazy scientific dude killed himself because he could not fathom this fact.

I see and agree with what you are saying, however only on a physical humanistic level. Quantum Physics is a much different ball game. In our perceptions we are limited. It's like we live in 4 dimensions, but in reality there are probably 6 more we don't know about, yet! (Flatland)

From a biblical point of view, which is where I am coming from, it confirms certain aspects of scripture which is truly exciting.

[mvpel]

For instance, something cannot be both a particle and not a particle ... this violates the law of noncontradiction which is the very basis of our logic ...

Well, the more basic question there is "what do you mean when you say 'particle?'"

Consider that the word "particle" may be only a poor analogy made in an attempt to make something that is far more complex and subtle at least somewhat understandable.

There are no contradictions, it's true. Therefore an photon is neither a "particle" nor a "wave," but rather is, quite simply, a photon which behaves precisely as a photon behaves.

[grey_whiskers]

As Niels Bohr said, "Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it."

For instance, something cannot be both a particle and not a particle ...

How much math have you had? A lot of the things in quantum mechanics are attempts to put into words, the implications of things which are purely mathematical. A lot of the "naked eye, reach out and touch with your hands" concepts don't apply at the quantum level, e.g. there is not an intrinsic property of objects called "color" (orange, puce, magenta, brown). The color is actually the result of how the object interacts with light. (And don't confuse this "color" with the "color" in Laz's chart earlier. Two different things.)

Cheers!