Here is an amazing
demonstration of univironmental determinism (The scientific philosophy that
whatever happens to an xyz portion of the universe is determined by the
infinite matter in motion within and without) (courtesy: Ikeguchi Laboratories):
Microcosms not in
tune with their macrocosms invariably are forced to comply. It reminds me of
the development of the “consensus” within regressive physics in favor of
relativity and the Big Bang. The semi-isolated, suspended table is like the
indeterministic society in which we all live. The only way a well-established
paradigm can be defeated is by some significant macrocosmic input. In this
case, the power of the indeterministic assumptions of society must decline before
indeterminism in physics can be defeated. We live at a time when absurd beliefs
are commonplace and well accepted. Those who believe in virgin birth, walking
on water, and living after dying are unlikely to object to claims that the universe
exploded out of nothing.
Fortunately, we live in an ever-changing universe. It remains to be
seen how long the traditional assumptions can survive. As I have
mentioned before, I believe that these will continue to suffer increasing stress
during the next four decades (see figure below). As rates of global population growth
continue to decline, rates of global economic expansion will also continue to
decline. Adaptation to a steady state, sustainable economy will not occur
without considerable strife and overall questioning of authority. It is true
that people’s minds change slowly in the face of slow change, but is also true
that minds change rapidly in the face of rapid change.
Reference:
Borchardt,
Glenn, 2007, The scientific worldview: Beyond Newton and Einstein: Lincoln, NE,
iUniverse, p. 290.
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