In relativity, movement is continuous, causally determinate and well defined, while in quantum mechanics it is discontinuous, not causally determinate and not well defined. Each theory is committed to its own notions of essentially static and fragmentary modes of existence (relativity to that of separate events, connectable by signals, and quantum mechanics to a well-defined quantum state). One thus sees that a new kind of theory is needed which drops these basic commitments and at most recovers some essential features of the older theories as abstract forms derived from a deeper reality in which what prevails in unbroken wholeness.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Relativity and quantum mechanics have conflicting views on continuity and causality, suggesting a new theory is needed to unify them under a deeper, whole reality.
- In plain terms
- Existing physics theories contradict each other, so we need a new theory that unifies them.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek a unified theory that transcends current physical limitations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What would a theory of wholeness look like?
- How do current theories limit our understanding?
Another view
A unified theory may not fully capture every aspect of observed phenomena.
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