Basics of Quantum Physics
Knowing the basics of quantum physics is important because the resulting paradigm shift permanently changed our working model of reality. The first quantum theories were created in the late 1800's and the early 1900's. Quantum physics is very different from the principles that were created in the day of Isaac Newton (1642-1727).
Quantum physics is a physical science that was discovered to explain the nature and behavior of matter and energy on the scale of atoms and subatomic particles, but now it is believed to hold true for all matter (even galaxies). (Goswami, 2008)
Definition of a quantum or quanta: In physics, a quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum unit (amount) of any physical entity involved in an interaction. (definition supplied by Wikipedia) The word quantum comes from the Latin for "how much".
Newtonian physics, also known as classical physics, is largely based upon the world of physical matter as we perceive it with our eyes. Although quantum physics formally replaced classical physics in the 1920's, the old philosophy is still widely accepted.
Classical Physics:
Material realism - mostly what we see with our eyes.
Everything is measureable, predictable, consistent, knowable, "rational".
Mechanistic - modeled after a machine.
Linear in time and space.
Reality exists independent from the observer- mind and matter are divided, not connected.
Survival of the fittest - based on limited supply
All of these things keep classical physics neat and tidy.
Quantum physics is very different from classical physics.
The fundamental assumptions of material realism just do not apply in quantum physics. If you are not familiar with quantum theory, prepare to be confused. The world of quantum physics is not neat and tidy. Confusion and frustration are totally normal responses. You are being asked to set aside all of your assumptions about the material world. If you try to understand quantum physics from the perspective of classical physics you will find confusing paradoxes.
Everywhere - nowhere - and now here:
(Goswami, The Self Aware Universe, 1995)
Quantum objects have the following characteristics:
1. Matter is NOT a fundamental property of quantum physics.
There is not matter and no matter. There is only energy. Matter is not equivalent to energy. Matter is energy. This energy is quantized, that is - it consists of discrete units. Einstein's famous equation E=MC2 is a recipe for the amount of energy necessary to create the appearance of mass. (McTaggert,2002 pg, 32,33) An example of this is a spinning fan blade. It can be moving so fast that it appears to be a solid surface. You would not be able to put your hand in the spaces because at high speed the spaces appear to go away.
2. All matter exhibits the properties of both particles (localized objects) and waves. Wave property: Quantum objects can be at more than one place at the same time. Waves are waves of possibility.
3. Collapse of the wave:
Is it a wave or a particle? Measuring or observing the wave collapses the wave into a particle. A quantum object cannot manifest in ordinary space and time reality until we observe it/create it as a particle.
Quantum particles respond to the observer's mind. This important difference in quantum theory has fundamentality changed everything. The observer creates reality! See theDouble Slit Experiment
This collapse of the wave into a particle is central to quantum physics. There have been various theories proposed to explain this collapse and other paradoxes of quantum physics. None of these have been able to give a satisfactory explanation of the event of collapse. Goswami proposes that an understanding of the collapse of the wave function requires consciousness. Without consciousness there is no collapse of the wave and no material particles, no material world. The material world is created by the downward causation of conscious choice which collapses the wave potential into a particle or material event.(Goswami (2008)
4. Tangled Hierarchies - EVERYTHING in the quantum universe is connected. The smallest action creates consequences both near and far. Things are not linear. We are literally all in this together.
5. Discontinuous = Quantum jump: A quantum object ceases to exist here and simultaneously appears over there without going though the intervening space. (To help with this concept, think digital, not analog.) This "jumping" action releases energy in the form of light.
6. Non-Locality: Quantum action at a distance: Two related/correlated particles or objects can be affected simultaneously regardless of the intervening space (to infinity).
Can the differences between classical physics and quantum physics be resolved?
One theory of everything
In the 14th century a man named William Ockham believed that reality must be founded on one thing. What is the single theory of reality that explains all things? This became known as Ockham's Razor.
For many years physicists on the cutting edge of science have continued to come up with new and more elegant theories to achieve this objective - one theory that underlies and explains all scientific theories.
The present day answer to Ockham's Razor may be space - the zero point field.
Lynn McTaggert's wonderful book, The Field (2001) is about this zero point field. The entire universe owes its structure to the zero point field. The nature of space is not a void or nothingness. It consists of a fine energy substance. The nature of this is not yet clear.
The Field - Consciousness?
My question would be - Could the zero point field be consciousness itself?
Amit Goswami in his book The Self Aware Universe (1993) proposes this very idea. When consciousness is viewed as the principle behind everything then all of the paradoxes in quantum theory go away.
"Quantum physics demands that science be based on the primacy of consciousness." (Goswami, God is not Dead, 2008)
The Implications of Quantum Theory
If consciousness and energy - not matter - are the fundamental underlying principles of the universe then all of our assumptions must change. We now live in a universe where science and spirituality are one and the same.
For Our Health
Energy, fields of information, consciousness and physics - not chemistry and pharmaceutical drugs - become the primary tools for creating health and healing. Bruce Lipton, cell biologist, demonstrates how our beliefs create our biology. (Lipton, The Biology of Belief, 2008)
True healing requires the deepest understanding and appreciation of the oneness of body mind and spirit. Quantum physics provides this understanding.
Huge industries have been built around a chemical and mechanical approach to health and healing. Changing all of the paradigms regarding health and healing is very threatening to these large financial empires. This is why things are so slow to change. Individuals must be very proactive in educating themselves and make changes as individuals - one person at a time.
For Our lives
Change your mind, change your life
Quantum physics shows us that our thoughts create our world. Our environment does not control us.
Personal responsibility at all levels is crucial when one understands the implications of the quantum world view. We are always creating our own reality, even if we do it unconsciously and without awareness. Therefore, if we truly want to change what we are creating we must take responsibility for what we create in every area of our lives.
We are all interconnected in a profound way. This deeply spiritual principle is now verified by science. We are responsible for the reality that we create. We can no longer look outside of ourselves for solutions to problems. The spiritual teachings of the ages are now demonstrated through quantum science./p>
I quote from Joe Dispensa's book, Evolve your Brain, (2007, pages 473,474). "Reality is a field of infinite possibilities that we have influence over. The more powerful the subjective mind is, the more power it has over the objective world. This puts us at cause instead of effect. Our environment becomes a product of who we are. When we know this we are freed from our survival state of mind. We are creators. We are empowered. Thoughts matter and they become matter. When we truly change the field of potentials in our personal life our life should change as well. The outcome of our efforts brings us new and different experiences. We can create a future that we have only lived in our mind. This becomes the ultimate demonstration of quantum law."
References:
I would like to thank the authors below for their insights and contributions.
McTaggert, Lynn, The Field, N.Y., Harper Collins, 2002.
Goswami, Amit, Ph.D., The Self Aware Universe, How Consciousness Creates The Material World, N.Y., Putnam/Penguin, 1995.
Goswami, Amit, Ph.D., God is Not Dead, Charlottesville, VA., Hampton Roads Publishing. 2008
Church, Dawson, The Genie in Your Genes, Santa Rose CA., Energy Psychology Press, 2008.
Joe Dispenza, Evolve Your Brain, Deerfield Beach Florida, Health Communications, 2007.
Lipton, Bruce, Ph.D., The Biology of Belief, Carlsbad California, Hay House, 2008.
Knowing the basics of quantum physics is important because the resulting paradigm shift permanently changed our working model of reality. The first quantum theories were created in the late 1800's and the early 1900's. Quantum physics is very different from the principles that were created in the day of Isaac Newton (1642-1727).
Quantum physics is a physical science that was discovered to explain the nature and behavior of matter and energy on the scale of atoms and subatomic particles, but now it is believed to hold true for all matter (even galaxies). (Goswami, 2008)
Definition of a quantum or quanta: In physics, a quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum unit (amount) of any physical entity involved in an interaction. (definition supplied by Wikipedia) The word quantum comes from the Latin for "how much".
Newtonian physics, also known as classical physics, is largely based upon the world of physical matter as we perceive it with our eyes. Although quantum physics formally replaced classical physics in the 1920's, the old philosophy is still widely accepted.
Classical Physics:
Material realism - mostly what we see with our eyes.
Everything is measureable, predictable, consistent, knowable, "rational".
Mechanistic - modeled after a machine.
Linear in time and space.
Reality exists independent from the observer- mind and matter are divided, not connected.
Survival of the fittest - based on limited supply
All of these things keep classical physics neat and tidy.
Quantum physics is very different from classical physics.
The fundamental assumptions of material realism just do not apply in quantum physics. If you are not familiar with quantum theory, prepare to be confused. The world of quantum physics is not neat and tidy. Confusion and frustration are totally normal responses. You are being asked to set aside all of your assumptions about the material world. If you try to understand quantum physics from the perspective of classical physics you will find confusing paradoxes.
Everywhere - nowhere - and now here:
(Goswami, The Self Aware Universe, 1995)
Quantum objects have the following characteristics:
1. Matter is NOT a fundamental property of quantum physics.
There is not matter and no matter. There is only energy. Matter is not equivalent to energy. Matter is energy. This energy is quantized, that is - it consists of discrete units. Einstein's famous equation E=MC2 is a recipe for the amount of energy necessary to create the appearance of mass. (McTaggert,2002 pg, 32,33) An example of this is a spinning fan blade. It can be moving so fast that it appears to be a solid surface. You would not be able to put your hand in the spaces because at high speed the spaces appear to go away.
2. All matter exhibits the properties of both particles (localized objects) and waves. Wave property: Quantum objects can be at more than one place at the same time. Waves are waves of possibility.
3. Collapse of the wave:
Is it a wave or a particle? Measuring or observing the wave collapses the wave into a particle. A quantum object cannot manifest in ordinary space and time reality until we observe it/create it as a particle.
Quantum particles respond to the observer's mind. This important difference in quantum theory has fundamentality changed everything. The observer creates reality! See theDouble Slit Experiment
This collapse of the wave into a particle is central to quantum physics. There have been various theories proposed to explain this collapse and other paradoxes of quantum physics. None of these have been able to give a satisfactory explanation of the event of collapse. Goswami proposes that an understanding of the collapse of the wave function requires consciousness. Without consciousness there is no collapse of the wave and no material particles, no material world. The material world is created by the downward causation of conscious choice which collapses the wave potential into a particle or material event.(Goswami (2008)
4. Tangled Hierarchies - EVERYTHING in the quantum universe is connected. The smallest action creates consequences both near and far. Things are not linear. We are literally all in this together.
5. Discontinuous = Quantum jump: A quantum object ceases to exist here and simultaneously appears over there without going though the intervening space. (To help with this concept, think digital, not analog.) This "jumping" action releases energy in the form of light.
6. Non-Locality: Quantum action at a distance: Two related/correlated particles or objects can be affected simultaneously regardless of the intervening space (to infinity).
Can the differences between classical physics and quantum physics be resolved?
One theory of everything
In the 14th century a man named William Ockham believed that reality must be founded on one thing. What is the single theory of reality that explains all things? This became known as Ockham's Razor.
For many years physicists on the cutting edge of science have continued to come up with new and more elegant theories to achieve this objective - one theory that underlies and explains all scientific theories.
The present day answer to Ockham's Razor may be space - the zero point field.
Lynn McTaggert's wonderful book, The Field (2001) is about this zero point field. The entire universe owes its structure to the zero point field. The nature of space is not a void or nothingness. It consists of a fine energy substance. The nature of this is not yet clear.
The Field - Consciousness?
My question would be - Could the zero point field be consciousness itself?
Amit Goswami in his book The Self Aware Universe (1993) proposes this very idea. When consciousness is viewed as the principle behind everything then all of the paradoxes in quantum theory go away.
"Quantum physics demands that science be based on the primacy of consciousness." (Goswami, God is not Dead, 2008)
The Implications of Quantum Theory
If consciousness and energy - not matter - are the fundamental underlying principles of the universe then all of our assumptions must change. We now live in a universe where science and spirituality are one and the same.
For Our Health
Energy, fields of information, consciousness and physics - not chemistry and pharmaceutical drugs - become the primary tools for creating health and healing. Bruce Lipton, cell biologist, demonstrates how our beliefs create our biology. (Lipton, The Biology of Belief, 2008)
True healing requires the deepest understanding and appreciation of the oneness of body mind and spirit. Quantum physics provides this understanding.
Huge industries have been built around a chemical and mechanical approach to health and healing. Changing all of the paradigms regarding health and healing is very threatening to these large financial empires. This is why things are so slow to change. Individuals must be very proactive in educating themselves and make changes as individuals - one person at a time.
For Our lives
Change your mind, change your life
Quantum physics shows us that our thoughts create our world. Our environment does not control us.
Personal responsibility at all levels is crucial when one understands the implications of the quantum world view. We are always creating our own reality, even if we do it unconsciously and without awareness. Therefore, if we truly want to change what we are creating we must take responsibility for what we create in every area of our lives.
We are all interconnected in a profound way. This deeply spiritual principle is now verified by science. We are responsible for the reality that we create. We can no longer look outside of ourselves for solutions to problems. The spiritual teachings of the ages are now demonstrated through quantum science./p>
I quote from Joe Dispensa's book, Evolve your Brain, (2007, pages 473,474). "Reality is a field of infinite possibilities that we have influence over. The more powerful the subjective mind is, the more power it has over the objective world. This puts us at cause instead of effect. Our environment becomes a product of who we are. When we know this we are freed from our survival state of mind. We are creators. We are empowered. Thoughts matter and they become matter. When we truly change the field of potentials in our personal life our life should change as well. The outcome of our efforts brings us new and different experiences. We can create a future that we have only lived in our mind. This becomes the ultimate demonstration of quantum law."
References:
I would like to thank the authors below for their insights and contributions.
McTaggert, Lynn, The Field, N.Y., Harper Collins, 2002.
Goswami, Amit, Ph.D., The Self Aware Universe, How Consciousness Creates The Material World, N.Y., Putnam/Penguin, 1995.
Goswami, Amit, Ph.D., God is Not Dead, Charlottesville, VA., Hampton Roads Publishing. 2008
Church, Dawson, The Genie in Your Genes, Santa Rose CA., Energy Psychology Press, 2008.
Joe Dispenza, Evolve Your Brain, Deerfield Beach Florida, Health Communications, 2007.
Lipton, Bruce, Ph.D., The Biology of Belief, Carlsbad California, Hay House, 2008.