Feb 2: Quantum Mechanics and Faith?

 At a recent dinner party with friends, the topic of quantum mechanics came up.  Yes, I know, it takes a special group of people to wonder aloud to each other at dinner about quantum entanglement, light's particle/wave duality, the uncertainty principle and such, but that's how we roll around here.  The context of the discussion was how the phenomena of quantum mechanics were so at odds with our understanding and experiences with the macro world we live in.  And hidden in the background was a feeling that there might be the basis for a religious or semi-religious philosophy here somewhere.  (According to QM theory a thing doesn't exist until we look for it, right?)  

There has been a lot of conjecture that QM has a role to play with consciousness, and many have tried to connect the dots in that way.  I have a book on my shelf called The Physics of Consciousness, by Evan Harris Walker that spells out just such a theory, and has been the basis for a topic for BQ many years ago.  There seems to be something special about QM that lends itself to extrapolation to metaphysical realms in some way, so why not talk about them?

So I asked Bard, the AI:  Is there an element of the supernatural in quantum mechanics?  Could quantum mechanics be the basis of a faith system?

<Bard's Response> 

Whether there's an element of the supernatural in quantum mechanics is a complex question with no easy answer. It depends heavily on your definition of "supernatural."

Here's why it's a tricky topic:

• Quantum mechanics is undeniably strange: It deals with concepts like superposition, entanglement, and wave-particle duality, which seem counter-intuitive and defy everyday experience. This strangeness can lead some to associate it with the supernatural, even though it's firmly grounded in scientific principles and tested through experiments.
• Science and religion often explore different realms: Science focuses on the natural world and explanations based on evidence and observation, while religion deals with the spiritual realm and questions of ultimate meaning and purpose. They can overlap in some areas, but their approaches differ fundamentally.
• Interpretations of quantum mechanics vary: There are different interpretations of quantum mechanics, each with its own implications. Some interpretations, like the Copenhagen interpretation, emphasize the probabilistic nature of quantum events, which can be misinterpreted as "randomness" and fuel supernatural ideas. Others, like the Many Worlds interpretation, suggest the existence of parallel universes, which can also sound fantastical.

Can it be the basis of a faith system?

While quantum mechanics offers fascinating insights into the universe, it's not generally considered a suitable basis for a faith system itself. Here's why:

• Lack of moral guidance: Quantum mechanics primarily deals with the physical world and doesn't offer answers to questions about morality, ethics, or the meaning of life. These are typically addressed by religious or philosophical systems.
• Absence of deities or spirituality: Quantum mechanics doesn't introduce deities, supernatural forces, or spiritual practices, which are often core components of faith systems.
• Focus on evidence and reason: Science, including quantum mechanics, relies on evidence and reason, while faith systems often involve belief and personal interpretation.

However, some people find inspiration in the beauty and mystery of quantum mechanics and use it to strengthen their existing faith or develop their own personal spiritual beliefs. This can involve drawing parallels between quantum phenomena and religious concepts, or simply finding comfort in the vastness and complexity of the universe revealed by science.

Ultimately, whether you see a supernatural element in quantum mechanics or not is a personal decision based on your individual beliefs and understanding. It's important to approach the topic with an open mind and be aware of the different perspectives involved. <end>

Human Beginnings

For a Christmas present I received a book.  Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari.  I am several chapters into it by now, and I find it fascinating.  The author is explaining how the several species in the genus Homo (meaning man), including Sapiens (southern and eastern Africa), Neanderthals (northern Europe and Asia), and Denisovians (in the far eastern Asia) all co-existed at one point, but were widely separated by terrain.  Then, about 70,000 years ago H. sapiens moved north, and eventually east, and the Neanderthals and Denisovians "disappeared".  

He speculates that the key element of difference was the development of a better and more articulate language that included concepts that made it possible for the H. sapiens species to overwhelm and defeat the others.  This language was accompanied by an awareness the others did not have which included abstract concepts like gods and religion, among others.  Earliest artifacts from that time are carved pieces that could be interpreted as icons depicting hypothetical deities, half lion, half man, that sort of thing.  This abstract thinking lead, in the author's opinion, to other ideas that could organize what had been a purely hunter/gatherer society into towns and cities, organizations of people and materials that family-based agrarian societies could not muster.  In the clash of species that followed the advancement of H. sapiens, the larger and more cold-adapted Neanderthals never stood a chance of protecting their territories.

He also suggests that DNA evidence shows that Neanderthals and H. sapiens were only marginally compatible, much like horses and donkeys.  Horses and donkeys can produce an offspring, a mule, but mules are sterile.  The rarity of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans, he says, is evidence of this same sort of incompatibility, and the reason for calling each group a separate species.

  The author spends a lot of time talking about the timeline of human development, and how this 70,000 year old inter-species interaction was, geologically and biologically speaking, like it happened almost yesterday.  These peoples had language, social structures, a sense of themselves, and so on, so that if you met one today they might go unnoticed.  He points out that one group migrated through modern Indonesia and into Australia about 45,000 years ago, and were essentially isolated since then.  You want to see what humanity looked like 45,000 years ago, watch the movie Crocodile Dundee!  Darwinian evolution certainly was taking place all this time, but the forces of change were not very severe.

I raise this with my BQ regulars mostly as a heads-up that I am reading this book, and that topics from it might show up in future BQ blogs.  Let me know if you decide to read the book, and if enough people do, let's set a time to talk about it together.  Obviously I am interested in the topic.

Humans and Nature: A shared destiny?

 <Des>  I asked Bard for a topic for this Friday's meeting. He (it) responded with this:

<Bard> Ah, the relationship between humans and nature - a rich and complex topic perfect for a Big Questions discussion! Here are some ways you can approach it to make for a stimulating evening:

Focus on specific aspects:

• Stewards vs. exploiters: Explore the evolving perception of humans in relation to nature. Has our role shifted from co-existence to domination? How can we move towards a more sustainable relationship?
• Biophilia and the human need for nature: Discuss the innate human connection to the natural world and its impact on our physical and mental well-being. Does technology replace or exacerbate this need?
• Nature's agency and rights: Challenge the anthropocentric view and delve into the concept of inherent value in nature itself. Should ecosystems have rights? How does this change our interactions with the environment?
• Indigenous perspectives: Learn about traditional ecological knowledge and the deep respect many cultures have for nature. How can these perspectives inform our own conservation efforts?

Go beyond the theoretical:

• Case studies: Analyze real-world examples of successful co-existence or devastating exploitation of nature. Discuss the underlying factors and lessons learned.
• Personal reflections: Encourage participants to share their own experiences and relationships with nature. How do these shape their values and actions?
• Creative activities: Incorporate art, music, or writing exercises to explore the topic in a non-linear way. This can spark new insights and foster empathy.
• Actionable outcomes: Don't let the discussion end with ideas! Brainstorm concrete steps individuals or the group can take to improve their relationship with nature and promote sustainability.

Additional tips:

• Invite a guest speaker: Consider inviting a conservationist, ecologist, or philosopher to share their expertise and perspectives.
• Use multimedia: Images, videos, and quotes can enrich the discussion and spark new ideas.
• Create a safe space: Encourage respectful dialogue and diverse viewpoints.
• Have fun! The goal is to engage with a complex topic in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

I hope this provides a good starting point for your Big Questions meeting! Remember, the key is to choose an aspect of the human-nature relationship that resonates with your group and leads to a lively and thought-provoking discussion. Have a great time!