Critique of Fred Alan Wolf's (Ph.D.) Book:
Taking the Quantum Leap
The New Physics for Nonscientists
Taking the Quantum Leap
The New Physics for Nonscientists
Fred Alan Wolf takes readers on a fascinating journey: from fundamental concepts of Quantum Physics to the utmost limits of science and imagination. Once Professor of Physics at San Diego State University, Wolf has published numerous scientific articles and lectured extensively around the world.
Very insightful of the unorthodoxy emanating from eminent physicists, and setting forth the many thoughts and equations intended to resolve the fundamental motivation for universal action and reaction, Doctor Wolf introduces nonscientists to the many blind alleys encountered as physicists struggle with Quantum Mechanics. When first apprised of Wolf’s ambition to explain advanced theory in a simplistic exposition, his colleagues warned: “No one could understand quantum physics without a firm mathematical background.” For scientists, the underlying nature of Quantum Mechanics makes the quantum leap an uncertain affair; for: “There is no way to know with absolute certainty the movements of such tiny particles of matter.” Thus, eighty years after the quantum nature of matter was first posited, the quantum world still holds surprises. Nonetheless, Professor Wolf ventures to take the uninitiated into a world of imagined ether, wave principle, electromagnetism, determinism (omnipotent cause), indeterminism (natural order), discontinuity (motion abrogated through observance), and continuity (motion seen as continuous when undisturbed).
We should begin to understand “Taking The Quantum Leap” by first arriving to a firm definition for the Quantum Theory: which concept is concerned with structure and behavior of atoms and molecules, how radiant energy transmits in the form of discrete units, how energy is effected by abrupt change or steps in quantum frequency and momentum, and especially as the theory translates into numerical progression. In an atomic sense, the electron makes a ‘Quantum Leap’ as it negotiates abrupt changes from one energy level to another in orbital shells around an atom nucleus and thus exciting quantum energy gain. Quantum theoreticians would seek to discover its motivation and to isolate the smallest physical quantity independently existing particles, especially discrete electromagnetic radiation quality and quantity.
In an effort to cover the entire physicist theory gamut, Wolf introduces theory and argumentation advanced by Newton, Planck (E = hf), Einstein (E = mc2), Bohr (quantum leap theorist), De Broglie (p = h/L); and this is not to belittle the eminence and contribution of Heisenberg, Born, Schroedinger and many others who have joined in the search to establish matter origins, light particle composition, and energy production. In a discussion of Schroedinger’s wave theory at the 1927 Solvay Congress, attended by about 30 of the world’s most eminent physicists, a discussion of electron motivation, as it relates to frequency and momentum, was explored and whether reaction resulted from a pulse wave or via excitation from other particles of matter. There the incongruous was proposed: “The wave is not the ultimate reality. The particle is not the ultimate reality. Reality is not the ultimate reality. There is, instead, one unbroken wholeness that appears paradoxical as soon as we observers attempt to analyze it.”
From the mind and reasoning of Ben Winter, the above quoted statement suffers from definition insolvency. A perceived particle cannot be proven in Reality, for particles constantly change and conform to attraction and repulsion incentives. Reality is that which is unchangeable! Reality is historical; actuality should have been used instead, to communicate a state of implied presence, to correctly modify the particular language of particle perception and behavior. Obviously, despite the intellectuality assembled, the august group could not grasp reality’s definition finiteness. If intercepted reflection or other phenomenon conveys a concept to sentience, then reality must be sensed as historic. For, regardless the distance light travels, or sense intercepts, via radiation, wave, or reflection (such as an aged 14 Billion years reflection from distant Galaxies), or other belated communication, it requires a particular length of time to reach cognizance, and such being relative to light-speed of those things reflected from close at hand; therefore, we live in the presence (actuality) but we perceive all things in reality (historical recall). According to Wolf, addressing the world of atomic reality as observed by physicists:
“. . . reality depends upon our choices of what and how we choose to observe. These choices, in turn, depend upon our minds or, more specifically, the content of our thoughts. And our thoughts, in turn, depend upon our expectations, our desire for continuity.” He continues, ‘When a physicist talks about reality, he or she means the “out there.”’ Would it not have been better stated: “back there.’
Einstein proposed an orderly universe, and he suggested light to be composed of matter. To his death, Einstein opposed Bohr’s discontinuous viewpoint. And Wolf continues: “The resistance that each view offered the other resulted in a great deal of new thinking. Scientists would construct exciting parallels between many avenues of life that were previously thought of as very different. However, the debate between Bohr and Einstein has still not ended, though both are now dead. Indeed, the battle of continuity versus discontinuity may never end.”
Wolf, in an effort to maximize the importance of particle behavior, quotes from the EPR Paradox (an article by Einstein and colleagues) as evidence of Einstein’s continued resistance to Bohr’s Principle of Complementarity: “A sufficient condition for the reality of a physical quantity is the possibility of predicting it with certainty, without disturbing [it].” Thus, according to EPR, “ . . it is possible to predict either the position or the momentum of an object without disturbing the object . . . all the observer does is choose which quantity to predict.”
Visualizing a quantum wave fundamentalism expressed in expanding qwiffs, and which qwiffs can be popped into collapse and cognizance, Wolf postulates a world of gnostic awareness, indeed Schroedinger’s quantum solipsism, wherein individuals create the whole of universe and thus live in philosophical relativity; thus, it leaves the scientist poised in actuality-reality hiatus. ‘The world of the quantum solipsist bears some resemblance to Descartes; “I think, therefore I am.”’ Thus, uncertainty and diverse theory imposes the Schroedinger observation: “A quantum solipsist says, I am the only reality. Everything out there is in my mind. To change reality—that is, to change objects into different objects—I need to change my mind.” Again, reality definition is slighted.
Quantum theories, briefly outlined in Wolf’s book, are too many and too diverse to include all in this critique: i.e., parallel universes, paradoxical particle existence, conscious and unconscious duration. Even so, we, each of us, are all the above: “Your electrons are observed by your atoms, who are, in turn, observed by your molecules, which are watched by your cells, which are seen by your organs, which are monitored by your nervous system . . .” Everett adds, “There is only one observer in the entire universe, and each reader may rejoice because—you are it! All other people follow the laws of quantum flow. They remain in a state of suspended animation, or however you wish to think of them, until you come along.” Did Ben Winter, author of THE GREAT DECEPTION: Symbols And Numbers Clarified, not suggest, in a previous observation: “individuals create the whole of universe and thus live in philosophical relativity, poised in actuality-reality hiatus”? THE GREAT DECEPTION uniquely justifies the indeterminism theory. In no other publication can scientist or nonscientist find absolute truth to quantify monotheism finiteness and thus limit the determinism hypothesis.
Wolf encapsulates his philosophical approach to the physics of atomic attraction: “I find it reassuring that reality as a whole is completely deterministic, all of it flowing while my little piece of the Big Qwiff appears to suffer from indeterminism and the uncertainty principle. What is remarkable about this interpretation is that it shows that the mathematical formalism is capable of determining its own interpretation.” Such philosophy is acceptable only in lieu of THE GREAT DECEPTION hypothesis.
Noting the keen insight of Physicist Bass, Wolf quotes the following concerned with atomic predisposition: ‘At the atomic level, consciousness is primitive, but necessarily so. Neurons contain possibly several billion atomic “consciousnesses.” We might call each such consciousness a mind. All together they are the agents that make up your intelligence agency.’ These observations corroborate Ben Winter’s own theory of atomic convergence as stated in previous writings: “Atoms are infused with their own intellectual inclination; thereby, they gain propensity with beneficially attracted electrons and atomic substrates and thus propitiate molecular-cellular sustenance and longevity.”
In modern scientific investigation, we discover a growing Quantum Theory understanding and a dearth of indecision surrounding Quantum Theory application. But the mystery is not so mysterious! The Hebrew God was communicated as “I Am that I Am.” Over 3000 years later, René Descartes wrote, “I think, therefore I am.” And now, in the age of discovery, we find Quantum Mechanics to support basis for the two positions, for the advent of energy, and therefore for our very existence. I am is only a quantum consciousness—but a quantum leap into cognizance.
Very insightful of the unorthodoxy emanating from eminent physicists, and setting forth the many thoughts and equations intended to resolve the fundamental motivation for universal action and reaction, Doctor Wolf introduces nonscientists to the many blind alleys encountered as physicists struggle with Quantum Mechanics. When first apprised of Wolf’s ambition to explain advanced theory in a simplistic exposition, his colleagues warned: “No one could understand quantum physics without a firm mathematical background.” For scientists, the underlying nature of Quantum Mechanics makes the quantum leap an uncertain affair; for: “There is no way to know with absolute certainty the movements of such tiny particles of matter.” Thus, eighty years after the quantum nature of matter was first posited, the quantum world still holds surprises. Nonetheless, Professor Wolf ventures to take the uninitiated into a world of imagined ether, wave principle, electromagnetism, determinism (omnipotent cause), indeterminism (natural order), discontinuity (motion abrogated through observance), and continuity (motion seen as continuous when undisturbed).
We should begin to understand “Taking The Quantum Leap” by first arriving to a firm definition for the Quantum Theory: which concept is concerned with structure and behavior of atoms and molecules, how radiant energy transmits in the form of discrete units, how energy is effected by abrupt change or steps in quantum frequency and momentum, and especially as the theory translates into numerical progression. In an atomic sense, the electron makes a ‘Quantum Leap’ as it negotiates abrupt changes from one energy level to another in orbital shells around an atom nucleus and thus exciting quantum energy gain. Quantum theoreticians would seek to discover its motivation and to isolate the smallest physical quantity independently existing particles, especially discrete electromagnetic radiation quality and quantity.
In an effort to cover the entire physicist theory gamut, Wolf introduces theory and argumentation advanced by Newton, Planck (E = hf), Einstein (E = mc2), Bohr (quantum leap theorist), De Broglie (p = h/L); and this is not to belittle the eminence and contribution of Heisenberg, Born, Schroedinger and many others who have joined in the search to establish matter origins, light particle composition, and energy production. In a discussion of Schroedinger’s wave theory at the 1927 Solvay Congress, attended by about 30 of the world’s most eminent physicists, a discussion of electron motivation, as it relates to frequency and momentum, was explored and whether reaction resulted from a pulse wave or via excitation from other particles of matter. There the incongruous was proposed: “The wave is not the ultimate reality. The particle is not the ultimate reality. Reality is not the ultimate reality. There is, instead, one unbroken wholeness that appears paradoxical as soon as we observers attempt to analyze it.”
From the mind and reasoning of Ben Winter, the above quoted statement suffers from definition insolvency. A perceived particle cannot be proven in Reality, for particles constantly change and conform to attraction and repulsion incentives. Reality is that which is unchangeable! Reality is historical; actuality should have been used instead, to communicate a state of implied presence, to correctly modify the particular language of particle perception and behavior. Obviously, despite the intellectuality assembled, the august group could not grasp reality’s definition finiteness. If intercepted reflection or other phenomenon conveys a concept to sentience, then reality must be sensed as historic. For, regardless the distance light travels, or sense intercepts, via radiation, wave, or reflection (such as an aged 14 Billion years reflection from distant Galaxies), or other belated communication, it requires a particular length of time to reach cognizance, and such being relative to light-speed of those things reflected from close at hand; therefore, we live in the presence (actuality) but we perceive all things in reality (historical recall). According to Wolf, addressing the world of atomic reality as observed by physicists:
“. . . reality depends upon our choices of what and how we choose to observe. These choices, in turn, depend upon our minds or, more specifically, the content of our thoughts. And our thoughts, in turn, depend upon our expectations, our desire for continuity.” He continues, ‘When a physicist talks about reality, he or she means the “out there.”’ Would it not have been better stated: “back there.’
Einstein proposed an orderly universe, and he suggested light to be composed of matter. To his death, Einstein opposed Bohr’s discontinuous viewpoint. And Wolf continues: “The resistance that each view offered the other resulted in a great deal of new thinking. Scientists would construct exciting parallels between many avenues of life that were previously thought of as very different. However, the debate between Bohr and Einstein has still not ended, though both are now dead. Indeed, the battle of continuity versus discontinuity may never end.”
Wolf, in an effort to maximize the importance of particle behavior, quotes from the EPR Paradox (an article by Einstein and colleagues) as evidence of Einstein’s continued resistance to Bohr’s Principle of Complementarity: “A sufficient condition for the reality of a physical quantity is the possibility of predicting it with certainty, without disturbing [it].” Thus, according to EPR, “ . . it is possible to predict either the position or the momentum of an object without disturbing the object . . . all the observer does is choose which quantity to predict.”
Visualizing a quantum wave fundamentalism expressed in expanding qwiffs, and which qwiffs can be popped into collapse and cognizance, Wolf postulates a world of gnostic awareness, indeed Schroedinger’s quantum solipsism, wherein individuals create the whole of universe and thus live in philosophical relativity; thus, it leaves the scientist poised in actuality-reality hiatus. ‘The world of the quantum solipsist bears some resemblance to Descartes; “I think, therefore I am.”’ Thus, uncertainty and diverse theory imposes the Schroedinger observation: “A quantum solipsist says, I am the only reality. Everything out there is in my mind. To change reality—that is, to change objects into different objects—I need to change my mind.” Again, reality definition is slighted.
Quantum theories, briefly outlined in Wolf’s book, are too many and too diverse to include all in this critique: i.e., parallel universes, paradoxical particle existence, conscious and unconscious duration. Even so, we, each of us, are all the above: “Your electrons are observed by your atoms, who are, in turn, observed by your molecules, which are watched by your cells, which are seen by your organs, which are monitored by your nervous system . . .” Everett adds, “There is only one observer in the entire universe, and each reader may rejoice because—you are it! All other people follow the laws of quantum flow. They remain in a state of suspended animation, or however you wish to think of them, until you come along.” Did Ben Winter, author of THE GREAT DECEPTION: Symbols And Numbers Clarified, not suggest, in a previous observation: “individuals create the whole of universe and thus live in philosophical relativity, poised in actuality-reality hiatus”? THE GREAT DECEPTION uniquely justifies the indeterminism theory. In no other publication can scientist or nonscientist find absolute truth to quantify monotheism finiteness and thus limit the determinism hypothesis.
Wolf encapsulates his philosophical approach to the physics of atomic attraction: “I find it reassuring that reality as a whole is completely deterministic, all of it flowing while my little piece of the Big Qwiff appears to suffer from indeterminism and the uncertainty principle. What is remarkable about this interpretation is that it shows that the mathematical formalism is capable of determining its own interpretation.” Such philosophy is acceptable only in lieu of THE GREAT DECEPTION hypothesis.
Noting the keen insight of Physicist Bass, Wolf quotes the following concerned with atomic predisposition: ‘At the atomic level, consciousness is primitive, but necessarily so. Neurons contain possibly several billion atomic “consciousnesses.” We might call each such consciousness a mind. All together they are the agents that make up your intelligence agency.’ These observations corroborate Ben Winter’s own theory of atomic convergence as stated in previous writings: “Atoms are infused with their own intellectual inclination; thereby, they gain propensity with beneficially attracted electrons and atomic substrates and thus propitiate molecular-cellular sustenance and longevity.”
In modern scientific investigation, we discover a growing Quantum Theory understanding and a dearth of indecision surrounding Quantum Theory application. But the mystery is not so mysterious! The Hebrew God was communicated as “I Am that I Am.” Over 3000 years later, René Descartes wrote, “I think, therefore I am.” And now, in the age of discovery, we find Quantum Mechanics to support basis for the two positions, for the advent of energy, and therefore for our very existence. I am is only a quantum consciousness—but a quantum leap into cognizance.
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