An Acataleptic Universe by Philip Gibbs

Hi Philip,

Why do you say that large number type arguments don't really make sense anymore ?

I think that they can explain a lot of things, in particular the cosmological constant problem. If you link the holographic principal with an information theory, then you can find that the number of bits on the surface of the information sphere (considering that the Universe is a growing sphere of information) is equal to N=4PiR2=10122 (with R being the radius of the sphere in Planck units) which is exactly the order of magnitude found in the cosmological constant problem.

Patrick

Dear Philip,

I love your view that (r)evolution in physics is due to attempts to bring consistency between apparently disparate domains. You go very smoothly from presenting the history of some ideas in physics, from a fresh viewpoint, to your own research on necklace Lie algebras and strings of qubits. Very well done!

Best regards,

Cristi Stoica

1-Even in theory, a Black Hole can only be indirectly 'observed'. The indirect effects observed include pedestrian causes, less than convincing evidence of a BH.

2-Science is not just internal metaphysical consistency, but also the external consistency of physical evidence...if we are talking physics, not math.

3-"... it(HP) is based on consistency reasoning from the need to bring together the laws of gravitation, quantum theory and thermodynamics."

This need for unification of these physical laws ... is it motivated by natural discoveries, or simplification for human convenience - an offshoot of Occam's Razor?

4-"Energy conservation in general relativity is real, exact, non-trivial and important."

Only in linearized GR is there energy conservation. But linearized GR is not exactly GR.

5-The GR field equations express a continuous feed back between mass motion and 'curvature'.. which causes non-linearity ...which causes failure of superposition and energy conservation .... and of Noether's theorems

6-"Some physicists like to say that this makes energy a non-local concept in general relativity ...."

If energy is non-local, then it violates the causality principle.... without the CP, predictive science is a guessing game.

7-"...we never really measure real numbers. We just answer yes/no questions. Nature's information comes in bits..."

...but the number of binary questions we ask for completeness may be infinite.

8-"Should we base our theoretical foundation on basic material constructs such as particles and space-time or do these things emerge from the realm of pure information?"

The latter..... specifically, the immaterial substance of the free and bound states of aether.

9-"We must 'Translate the quantum versions of string theory and of Einstein's geometrodynamics from the language of the continuum to the language of bits'".

Rather, to the language of 'its', from the abstract world of math models to the testable world of real objects. What good are the bits, if tests yield no valid hits?

Philip,

I enjoyed your guided tour through what what normally appears to me as a scary bestiary of mathematical and physical theories. Your calm and assured explanations were thought-provoking and went to the heart of the matter, avoiding the alarming technicalities on which a novice inevitably stumbles. Popularizers of physics often avoid such details, but one is never sure if they have really mastered the subjects they describe, as you obviously have done over your many years of research.

I liked the way you stressed the criterion of consistency as a measure the truth of a combination of theories. That made me think that other combinations of the same theories might lead to better ones - in other words theories are somehow dispensable if better ones come along, a point I stressed in my own essay here.

The other point of interest in your paper for me was the way you stressed the fundamental importance of the Holographic Principle as an all-encompassing idea in physics. In Figure 4 of my paper in this contest I sketched my idea of precisely why the Principle works at least in my Beautiful Universe BU model. In that model the Universe is essentially an ordered lattice of nodes that can be represented as a vector field of angular momenta. In any chosen volume in this lattice the resultant of the 3D vector matrix within appears as the vectors tessellating the surface. I know this is very simplistic, but who knows whether the many dimensions and symmetries of the theories you juggle so adeptly may one day be distilled into such a simple theory. For example if the concept flexible space-time (as dimensions) is banished from physics (as it could) general relativity becomes much simpler as just a density field in an absolute universe as described in (BU). Ditto for probability, which emerges from the theory as a simple consequence of the underlying order.

I enjoyed the way you described necklace algebras. It reminded me of a simple arithmetical idea I dreamed up a long time ago (one I am sure someone else had fully developed it independently). I call them Breughel numbers after the painter who made the print showing a fish eating a fish eating a fish, ad nauseum. Basically, it is a way to break a number into nested fractions:

8 = (8/7)*(7/6)*(6/5)*(5/4)*(4/3)*(3/2)*(2/1)

n= (n/(n-1))*((n-1)/(n-2))* . . . * ((n-n+2)/1)

Do Necklace algebras work along some such a principle?

Good luck in your research, and I am sure I speak for many independent researchers like me when I thank you for founding viXra . Keep viXra alive and more power to you.

Vladimir

Philip

Thanks now I will have to do some studying to understand what you said - but glad my little idea made sense. Yes math is connected. It is also almost magical in that it can take many forms that describe the same physics.

Vladimir

Dear Sir,

Uncertainty is inherent in Nature because of inter-connectedness and interdependence of everything with everything else. When we try to measure soothing, the result of measurement will not only rest on our operation, but also the environment in which we operate. Even our measuring device and its functioning will be subject to the density fluctuations in the environment that will change the income pulse from the outgoing pulse. Heisenberg was right that "everything observed is a selection from a plentitude of possibilities and a limitation on what is possible in the future". But his logic and the mathematical format of the uncertainty principle: ε(q)η(p) ≥ h/4π are wrong.

The inequality: ε(q)η(p) ≥ h/4π or as it is commonly written: δx. δp ≥ ħ permits simultaneous determination of position along x-axis and momentum along the y-axis; i.e., δx. δpy = 0. Hence the statement that position and momentum cannot be measured simultaneously is not universally valid. Further, position has fixed coordinates and the axes are fixed arbitrarily from the origin. Position along x-axis and momentum along y-axis can only be related with reference to a fixed origin (0, 0). If one has a non-zero value, the other has indeterminate (or relatively zero) value (if it has position say x = 5 and y = 7, then it implies that it has zero momentum with reference to the origin. Otherwise either x or y or both would not be constant, but will have extension). Multiplying both position (with its zero relative momentum) and momentum of the same particle (which is possible only at a different time t1 when the particle moves), the result will always be zero. Thus no mathematics is possible between position (fixed coordinates) and momentum (mobile coordinates) as they are mutually exclusive in space and time. They do not commute. Hence, δx.δpy = 0.

Nature Physics (2012) (doi:10.1038/nphys2194) describes a neutron-optical experiment that records the error of a spin-component measurement as well as the disturbance caused on another spin-component. The results confirm that both error and disturbance obey the Masanao Ozawa's relation: ε(q)η(p) + σ(q)η(p) + σ(p)ε(q) ≥ h/4π but violate the old one in a wide range of experimental parameters. Even when either the source of error or disturbance is held to nearly zero, the other remains finite.

Quantization being opposed to inter-connectedness and interdependence, will only add to the chaos. The degree of uncertainty and manipulations (contrary to mathematical principles) of Maxwell's equations also confuse everything as shown below. The wave function is determined by solving Schrödinger's differential equation:

d2ψ/dx2 + 8π2m/h2 [E-V(x)]ψ = 0.

By using a suitable energy operator term, the equation is written as Hψ = Eψ. The way the equation has been written, it appears to be an equation in one dimension, but in reality it is a second order equation signifying a two dimensional field, as the original equation and the energy operator contain a term x2. The method of the generalization of the said Schrödinger equation to the three spatial dimensions (adding two more equal terms by replacing x with y and z) does not stand mathematical scrutiny. A three dimensional equation is a third order equation impling volume. Addition of three areas does not generate volume [x+y+z ≠ (x.y.z)] and [x2+y2+z2 ≠ (x.y.z)]. Thus, there is no wonder that it has failed to explain spectra other than hydrogen. The so-called success in the case of helium and lithium spectra gives results widely divergent from observation.

Yet there are simpler ways to prove your point that quantum information is fundamental and all material entities including space-time are emergent. Inter-connectedness and interdependence implies the existence of a whole with parts. If we break the parts to small units, then the information about them will be quantum information and it must be fundamental. Since everything is made up of quanta; and since space and time only report the intervals of ordered sequence of objects and events; they must be emergent.

Regards,

basudeba

Basudeba

"Uncertainty is inherent in Nature"

Really? So how does it exist then?

Paul

Dear Sir,

Thank you for giving us an opportunity to explain. Kindly bear with our lengthy explanation.

When Mr. Heisenberg proposed his conjecture in 1927, Mr. Earle Kennard independently derived a different formulation, which was later generalized by Mr. Howard Robertson as: σ(q)σ(p) ≥ h/4π. This inequality says that one cannot suppress quantum fluctuations of both position σ(q) and momentum σ(p) lower than a certain limit simultaneously. The fluctuation exists regardless of whether it is measured or not implying the existence of a universal field. The inequality does not say anything about what happens when a measurement is performed. Mr. Kennard's formulation is therefore totally different from Mr. Heisenberg's. However, because of the similarities in format and terminology of the two inequalities, most physicists have assumed that both formulations describe virtually the same phenomenon. Modern physicists actually use Mr. Kennard's formulation in everyday research but mistakenly call it Mr. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. "Spontaneous" creation and annihilation of virtual particles in vacuum is possible only in Mr. Kennard's formulation and not in Mr. Heisenberg's formulation, as otherwise it would violate conservation laws. If it were violated experimentally, the whole of quantum mechanics would break down.

The uncertainty relation of Mr. Heisenberg was reformulated in terms of standard deviations, where the focus was exclusively on the indeterminacy of predictions, whereas the unavoidable disturbance in measurement process had been ignored. A correct formulation of the error-disturbance uncertainty relation, taking the perturbation into account, was essential for a deeper understanding of the uncertainty principle. In 2003 Mr. Masanao Ozawa developed the following formulation of the error and disturbance as well as fluctuations by directly measuring errors and disturbances in the observation of spin components: ε(q)η(p) + σ(q)η(p) + σ(p)ε(q) ≥ h/4π.

Mr. Ozawa's inequality suggests that suppression of fluctuations is not the only way to reduce error, but it can be achieved by allowing a system to have larger fluctuations. Nature Physics (2012) (doi:10.1038/nphys2194) describes a neutron-optical experiment that records the error of a spin-component measurement as well as the disturbance caused on another spin-component. The results confirm that both error and disturbance obey the new relation but violate the old one in a wide range of experimental parameters. Even when either the source of error or disturbance is held to nearly zero, the other remains finite. Our description of uncertainty follows this revised formulation.

While the particles and bodies are constantly changing their alignment within their confinement, these are not always externally apparent. Various circulatory systems work within our body that affects its internal dynamics polarizing it differently at different times which become apparent only during our interaction with other bodies. Similarly, the interactions of subatomic particles are not always apparent. The elementary particles have intrinsic spin and angular momentum which continually change their state internally. The time evolution of all systems takes place in a continuous chain of discreet steps. Each particle/body acts as one indivisible dimensional system. This is a universal phenomenon that creates the uncertainty because the internal dynamics of the fields that create the perturbations are not always known to us. We may quote an example.

Imagine an observer and a system to be observed. Between the two let us assume two interaction boundaries. When the dimensions of one medium end and that of another medium begin, the interface of the two media is called the boundary. Thus there will be one boundary at the interface between the observer and the field and another at the interface of the field and the system to be observed.

All information requires an initial perturbation involving release of energy, as perception is possible only through interaction (exchange of force). Such release of energy is preceded by freewill or a choice of the observer to know about some aspect of the system through a known mechanism. The mechanism is deterministic - it functions in predictable ways (hence known). To measure the state of the system, the observer must cause at least one quantum of information (energy, momentum, spin, etc) to pass from him through the boundary to the system to bounce back for comparison. Alternatively, he can measure the perturbation created by the other body across the information boundary.

The quantum of information (seeking) or initial perturbation relayed through an impulse (effect of energy etc) after traveling through (and may be modified by) the partition and the field is absorbed by the system to be observed or measured (or it might be reflected back or both) and the system is thereby perturbed. The second perturbation (release or effect of energy) passes back through the boundaries to the observer (among others), which is translated after measurement at a specific instant as the quantum of information. The observation is the observer's subjective response on receiving this information. The result of measurement will depend on the totality of the forces acting on the systems and not only on the perturbation created by the observer. The "other influences" affecting the outcome of the information exchange give rise to an inescapable uncertainty in observations.

The system being observed is subject to various potential (internal) and kinetic (external) forces which act in specified ways independent of observation. For example chemical reactions take place only after certain temperature threshold is reached. A body changes its state of motion only after an external force acts on it. Observation doesn't affect these. We generally measure the outcome - not the process. The process is always deterministic. Otherwise there cannot be any theory. We "learn" the process by different means - observation, experiment, hypothesis, teaching, etc, and develop these into cognizable theory. Heisenberg was right that "everything observed is a selection from a plentitude of possibilities and a limitation on what is possible in the future". But his logic and the mathematical format of the uncertainty principle: ε(q)η(p) ≥ h/4π are wrong.

The observer observes the state at the instant of second perturbation - neither the state before nor after it. This is because only this state, with or without modification by the field, is relayed back to him while the object continues to evolve in time. Observation records only this temporal state and freezes it as the result of observation (measurement). Its truly evolved state at any other time is not evident through such observation. With this, the forces acting on it also remain unknown - hence uncertain. Quantum theory takes these uncertainties into account. If ∑ represents the state of the system before and ∑ ± ∑ represents the state at the instant of perturbation, then the difference linking the transformations in both states (treating other effects as constant) is minimum, if ∑

Hi Philip,

I have read your essay. Not bad at all, although looking for something more radical that can tell us the secret of the 'Old One' as Einstein would say. Also thanks for providing the opportunity for vixra authors. I am one.

1. Just the same question I have asked others... In your essay and similar ones, you say, "We just answer yes/no questions". BUT what is THE QUESTION? Is it 'have you submitted an essay to FQXi'? Surely, not! Wheeler says the question must be at the'very bottom' and Paul Davies says it must 'occupy the ontological basement'.

Well for whatever it is worth I have asked what that question should be in my contribution, 'On the road not taken'.

So what exactly can THAT QUESTION be?

2. You talk of smooth spacetime. Are you by any means suggesting that space is continuous? Because if you do I might be taking you up on that.

Cheers,

Akinbo

I had another look at my "long comment". I think it was too long - though there is a lot there that's worth thinking about. Anyway, I'll keep this shorter. Since you like the idea of particles from gravitational fields, I thought you might like to read a few paragraphs (only 3 or 4 short ones) showing how particles from gravitational fields can explain why planets orbit in the Sun's ecliptic plane -

A few words on p. 27 of http://vixra.org/abs/1305.0196 (the section called "CHALLENGE - Explain To The Layman How Gravity Accounts For Dark Matter and Dark Energy Without Using Any Mathematics (this could have been given subheadings of its own - about Kepler's laws of planetary motion, tides, orbits, but my abstract's long enough)" reveal why things in the solar system orbit the Sun's ecliptic plane.

Those words are - "the more mass a body possesses, the more gravitation is diverted to play a part in that body's formation". Agreeing with Einstein's theory that gravitation is a push created by the hills and valleys of curved space, gravitational waves are a repelling force (this aspect of gravity is normally referred to as Dark Energy) refracted towards the Sun's centre. The waves ultimately originate far out in deep space where they push galaxy clusters apart. As they pass the solar system's outer boundary, some waves are refracted by the Sun's mass like ocean waves passing an island (some are refracted towards the island and cause waves on its beaches).

Having given the planets a push which keeps them in orbit and prevents them flying off into space, the waves arrive at the Sun where they interact with electromagnetism to form the masses of subatomic particles (mass being produced by G-EM interaction was proposed by Einstein in a 1919 paper) ... and to form the strong and weak nuclear forces within atoms (nuclear forces are a by-product of G-EM interaction). The rotating Sun bulges at its equator and therefore has a larger equatorial than polar diameter, and more mass at its equator. This means more gravitation has been diverted to that region. Planets are also made from G and EM interacting, and must consequently lie in the path gravity waves took from the outer solar system to the solar equator (more gravitation was diverted here - so if planets are created by G and EM, it follows that they'd be created where the gravitational "current" is greatest).

For simplicity, we say the Sun's gravitation is strongest at its equator and planets are compelled to orbit in the ecliptic plane.

Hi Philip,

That old bibliographical review is a MASTERPIECE in bold letters. Really fantastic. No flattery intended. There should be a forum to discuss it.

As this forum may not be ethically correct, I will restrict myself to two posers:

1. What if monads are Nature's Cellular Automata?

If you dont know much about monads, see Leibniz monadology reference in my essay.

2. If space discreteness is in the form of monads as the Pythagoreans postulate, will you regard their emergence and annihilation as a "fundamental space-time event"?

Food for thought only... I may possibly continue this on your blog.

All the best,

Akinbo

(taojo@hotmail.com)