vol 3: Development
chapter 3: Physics:
Table of contents
Site map
Directory
Search this site
Home
1: About
2: Synopsis
3: Development
Next: Introduction
Previous: Development: toc
This site is part of the natural religion project The natural religion project A new theology A commentary on the Summa The theology company
Table of contents
If we assume that the universe is divine, physics is the study of God's body. The body is the most abstract, that is the least complex, of the layers of complexity in the structure of the universe. Physics sets the stage by providing the alphabet for all other levels of complexity. back
page 1: Action and Time
Following our method, we begin to construct a map between our model and the real world. We begin with physics because it studies the simplest elements of the world. The first point of contact between our model and physics is the identification of action with computation, Drawing on quantum theory, we identify the time rate of action with energy. back
page 2 Why is the universe quantized?
Quantum mechanics sees the world as comprising discrete observable physical events controlled by invisible and continuous state functions which explain the nature and frequency of observed events. In the network model, the mathematical theory of communication explains quantization by showing that we can minimize error by maximizing the distance between different messages. Quantization is thus a feature of error resistant communication.
page 3: The initial singularity
The large scale structure of the universe is described by the general theory of relativity which predicts that the present universe expanded from an initial dimensionless point. In the network model, we interpret gravitation as a manifestation of the hardware layer of the universal network. Following an analogy with the theology of the Trinity, we propose a model for the growth of the universal network. back
page 4: Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics is the modern working model of the physical universe. It sees the world as comprising observable physical events and an unobservable logical structures, state functions, which control (to some degree) the nature and frequency of events. The quantum mechanical formalism is invariant with respect to complexity and can apply to any layer in the transfinite network. From an information theoretic point of view, quantum mechanical systems can be viewed as message sources. back
page 5: Hilbert spaces and the symmetric network
We have proposed a transfinite symmetric network as a phase space for the universe. Transfinite network Here we place this network into correspondence with the transfinite dimensional Hilbert space which houses the 'wave function of the universe' and show how quantum mechanics serves as a method to compute the traffic between nodes of the transfinite network. back
page 6: Invariance with respect to complexity
Cantor generated the transfinite cardinal numbers (and their associated ordinals) through an invariance law which operates identically no matter what the cardinal number of the set upon which it operates. We call this feature invariance with respect to complexity and see that it is a feature of quantum mechanics also. Since quantum theory operates indifferently at al levels of complexity it provides a bridge between the unity and multiplicity of the universe. back
page 7: Entanglement
When quantum systems communicate they become entangled. so that they share a state which cannot be represented as a product of the component states. This loss of independence is manifested in quantum correlations which are observed even when entangled particles are moved a long way apart. Classical probability theory cannot explain this correlation, which is an intrinsic feature of the quantum mechanical method of computing probabilities. back
page 8: Energy
The classical God is eternal, existing all at once outside time. The universe, on the other hand, clearly has both a history and a future and an energy driven process joining them which we may call the present. Here we explore how quantum mechanics conceives energy and see it as an essential component of any system open to communication back
page 9: Fixed points
If the foundation of the universe is pure energy, that is pure motion, how does space and memory come to be? Mathematical 'fixed point' theorems show that under certain conditions every motion has one or more fixed points, like the extreme points of the motion of a pendulum. Such fixed points are observable, since they do not change, and enable us to describe motion with fixed expressions like differential equations or ordinary sentences. . back
page 10: Bosons and fermions
Given a bundle of energy which obeys the hypotheses of a fixed point theorem we expect to find fixed points. The most obvious fixed point in the universe is the initial singularity. It has bifurcated many times since then. Here we propose the division of particles into fermions and bosons as the first bifurcation. back
page 11: Quantum oscillator
The periodic functions of quantum mechanics specify many fixed points which might serve s the alphabet for a universe. Here we discuss generally how a quantum system confined in a potential well develops fixed points like the energy levels of an atom or the quantized exchange of energy in the quantum harmonic oscillator. back
page 12: Quantum field theory
The first theory of interactions between fermions and bosons to be worked out in detail was between charged particles and photons, quantum electrodynamics. The success of quantum electrodynamics has led to the application of similar methods to understanding all the other fundamental interactions in the universe. Art present, gravitation remains outside this synthesis. back
page 13: Transfinite oscillator
Since we are striving for a theological level of generality, we now describe the transfinite oscillator which we see as a formal representation of the dynamics of a transfinite network. The transfinite oscillator moves between the layers of the transfinite network, creating and annihilating systems at all scales. It generalizes the ideas of quantum field theory.back
page 14: Gravitation
General relativity describes a dynamic universe growing under the gravitational influence of a primordial fixed point known as the initial singularity. The interactions of relativity may be carried by spin two particles known as gravitons. To complete our survey of physics, we explore the relationship between gravitons and the overall structure of the universe and propose an extension of Einstein's notion of general covariance beyond physics into theology. . back
(revised 21 April 2008)
Links
| Eric M Eisel "In the Beginning was the Word...": The Question of the Origin of Language in Goethe's Faust Goethe, Faust (contemplating translation of John's Gospel): 'Tis written: "In the beginning was the Word!" Here now I'm balked! Who'll put me in accord? It is impossible, the Word so high to prize, I must translate it otherwise If I am rightly by the Spirit taught. 'Tis written: In the beginning was the Thought! Consider well that line, the first you see, That your pen may not write too hastily! Is it then Thought that works, creative, hour by hour? Thus should it stand: In the beginning was the Power! Yet even while I write this word, I falter, For something warns me, this too I shall alter. The Spirit's helping me! I see now what I need And write assured: In the beginning was the Deed!' back |
Click on an "Amazon" link in the booklist at the foot of the page to buy the book, see more details or search for similar items
Related sites:
Concordat Watch
Revealing Vatican attempts to propagate its religion by international treaty
Copyright: You may copy this material freely provided only that you quote fairly and provide a link (or reference) to your source.
