Essay Abstract

In this brief essay, we argue that asking "what does 'fundamental' mean?" and "what is fundamental?" are two aspects of the same problem. Links between Reality and modelling (i.e. representations of Reality) are then discussed. It leads us to question the conditions and limitations establishing a scientific model. We reach the conclusion that the hiatus between Reality and its representations are a consequence of biasses from the very nature of human beings. In our opinion, the limits induced by our human nature are therefore the most fundamental things.

Author Bio

Physicist, scientific software developer, former researcher.

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Dear Xavier Derkx,

Reliable evidence exists that proves that the surface of the earth was formed millions of years before man and his utterly complex finite informational systems ever appeared on that surface. It logically follows that Nature must have permanently devised the only single physical construct of earth allowable.

Joe Fisher, Realist

Dear Xavier Derkx,

All objects, be they solid, liquid, or vaporous have always had a visible surface. This is because the real Universe consists only of one single unified VISIBLE infinite surface occurring eternally in one single infinite dimension that am always illuminated mostly by finite non-surface light.

Reliable evidence exists that proves that the surface of the earth was formed millions of years before man and his utterly complex finite informational systems ever appeared on that surface. It logically follows that Nature must have permanently devised the only single physical construct of earth allowable.

Joe Fisher, Realist

Xavier,

That is a clear cut exposition of the human condition. We do make progress though, through feedback between those models and their context.

I think one of the current stumbling blocks is that our thought process is a sequence of perceptions and so we naturally think of this process called time as the point of the present "moving" past to future, but it is actually change turning future to past, as in tomorrow becomes yesterday because the earth turns.

This makes time an effect, similar to temperature, rather than space.

Obviously physics has spent a great deal of effort trying to explain it in terms of that narrative effect, reducing it measures of duration, between events and correlating this to measures of distance. Likely it will take a generation or two to get beyond this.

The reason time is asymmetric is because action is inertial. The earth turns one direction, not both.

Duration is the state of the present, as events coalesce and dissolve.

Different clocks can run at different rates because they are separate actions. A faster clock uses energy quicker, like an animal with higher metabolism ages faster than one with a slower rate. Yet remain in the same present.

Just a thought to consider.

    Xavier,

    You got the right idea. This is only the first step. Beyond showing our limitations, showing/suggesting a way around them is next. In my essay, I suggest asking WHY (logically) things happen instead HOW they happen.

    Best of luck,

    Marcel,

      10 days later

      Xavier Derkx

      Very nice conclusion......"We reach the conclusion that the hiatus between Reality and its representations are a consequence of biasses from the very nature of human beings. In our opinion, the limits induced by our human nature are therefore the most fundamental things......" ... you say it is human nature...! wonderful...

      Here in my essay energy to mass conversion is proposed................ yours is very nice essay best wishes .... I highly appreciate hope your essay and hope for reciprocity ....You may please spend some of the valuable time on Dynamic Universe Model also and give your some of the valuable & esteemed guidance

      Some of the Main foundational points of Dynamic Universe Model :

      -No Isotropy

      -No Homogeneity

      -No Space-time continuum

      -Non-uniform density of matter, universe is lumpy

      -No singularities

      -No collisions between bodies

      -No blackholes

      -No warm holes

      -No Bigbang

      -No repulsion between distant Galaxies

      -Non-empty Universe

      -No imaginary or negative time axis

      -No imaginary X, Y, Z axes

      -No differential and Integral Equations mathematically

      -No General Relativity and Model does not reduce to GR on any condition

      -No Creation of matter like Bigbang or steady-state models

      -No many mini Bigbangs

      -No Missing Mass / Dark matter

      -No Dark energy

      -No Bigbang generated CMB detected

      -No Multi-verses

      Here:

      -Accelerating Expanding universe with 33% Blue shifted Galaxies

      -Newton's Gravitation law works everywhere in the same way

      -All bodies dynamically moving

      -All bodies move in dynamic Equilibrium

      -Closed universe model no light or bodies will go away from universe

      -Single Universe no baby universes

      -Time is linear as observed on earth, moving forward only

      -Independent x,y,z coordinate axes and Time axis no interdependencies between axes..

      -UGF (Universal Gravitational Force) calculated on every point-mass

      -Tensors (Linear) used for giving UNIQUE solutions for each time step

      -Uses everyday physics as achievable by engineering

      -21000 linear equations are used in an Excel sheet

      -Computerized calculations uses 16 decimal digit accuracy

      -Data mining and data warehousing techniques are used for data extraction from large amounts of data.

      - Many predictions of Dynamic Universe Model came true....Have a look at

      http://vaksdynamicuniversemodel.blogspot.in/p/blog-page_15.html

      I request you to please have a look at my essay also, and give some of your esteemed criticism for your information........

      Dynamic Universe Model says that the energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation passing grazingly near any gravitating mass changes its in frequency and finally will convert into neutrinos (mass). We all know that there is no experiment or quest in this direction. Energy conversion happens from mass to energy with the famous E=mC2, the other side of this conversion was not thought off. This is a new fundamental prediction by Dynamic Universe Model, a foundational quest in the area of Astrophysics and Cosmology.

      In accordance with Dynamic Universe Model frequency shift happens on both the sides of spectrum when any electromagnetic radiation passes grazingly near gravitating mass. With this new verification, we will open a new frontier that will unlock a way for formation of the basis for continual Nucleosynthesis (continuous formation of elements) in our Universe. Amount of frequency shift will depend on relative velocity difference. All the papers of author can be downloaded from "http://vaksdynamicuniversemodel.blogspot.in/ "

      I request you to please post your reply in my essay also, so that I can get an intimation that you replied

      Best

      =snp

      6 days later

      Dear Xavier,

      Thank you for an interesting essay.

      I like your heirarchy of different realitieis. It is an interesting way of thinking about things.

      You might like my book "The Outer Limits of Reason: What Science, Mathematics, and Logic Cannot Tell Us" (MIT Press 2013). There are common themes with what you are saying.

      Please take a look at my essay.

      All the best,

      Noson Yanofsky

        Dear Xavier,

        thank you for this engaging essay. The idea that it is eventually a human nature, and its limitation to be fundametal is interesting indeed.

        All the best,

        Flavio

          Dear John,

          Thank you for your interest in my contribution and your comment.

          I think one of the issues with time is that it's an ambiguous concept. It contains two different notions: duration and chronology. According to Einstein's relativity, duration is relative to a given observer and chronology is constructed on causality (light cones). The fact that we can think of "going backward in time" and that we don't observe such a possibility may be just due to our representation of time. Actually, some theories even states that time does not exist. As I said in my essay, it's not because something feel natural or logical to us that it guarantees its existence. You will probably find some interesting thoughts of the concept of time by reading many the contributions of this previous FQXI essay contest: https://fqxi.org/community/forum/category/10

          I will read your contribution.

          Best regards,

          Xavier

          Dear Marcel,

          Thank you for your interest in my contribution and your comment.

          I think the question "why" is a very human one: we are trying to give sense to things. I think it's an evolutionary advantage. But as stated in my essay, the question itself could be completely meaningless. And we could even enter a recursive loop: why things need to make sense? I will read your essay, I am curious to see how you tackle this question.

          Best of luck to you too,

          Xavier

          Dear Noson,

          Thank you for your interest in my contribution and your comment.

          I think my hierarchy of the different realities is actually quite naive.

          I checked the table of contents of your book, and it sounds very interesting to me. I added it on my book waiting list.

          I will read your essay, its abstract makes it sound very appealing.

          All the best to you too,

          Xavier

          Dear Flavio,

          Thank you for your interest in my contribution and your comment.

          I will read your contribution.

          All the best to you too,

          Xavier

          5 days later

          Xavier,

          Top job. I think your 'bias/limits' section is excellent and may if anything be to limited or understated. The seven steps nicely rationalise the mess and confusion surrounding reality, observation and measurement. (I addressed this from a process analysis view in my 2012 essay - top 10 but no chocs!).

          It reminds me of the 'messy' galaxy type classifications. Some years ago I found & published a cyclic evolutionary sequence that fits beautifully. Yet as you identified, the limits of our, as I term it 'intellectual evolution' prevent most such advancement in understanding nature. But do you really think we'll "never" be able to understand much more than now?

          I also ask what you think of the idea of turning your steps into a cycle by feeding back the models into the beginning as hypothese. You did touch on such 'testing'. Is that not the whole business of scientific discovery?

          That brings in your; "Several sets of theories are currently co-existing without being reducible to an encompassing theory." So true, but I've employed that model feedback to useful and even shocking effect, one model (this yrs essay) seeming to reproduce QM predictions with classical mechanisms! (See Declan Traill's short essay with check code and Cos^2 plot) Do read & test it if you can. Yet of course even if correct the chances of it replacing embedded beliefs however spooky seem rather low!

          So yes, I agree about all you write, it was interesting, fundamental and nicely constructed. I much enjoyed and applaud it and will score it accordingly.

          Best of luck.

          Peter

            Dear Xavier,

            I highly appreciate your well-written essay in an effort to understand. «We reach the conclusion that the hiatus between Reality and its representations are a consequence of biasses from the very nature of human beings».

            It is so close to me. «Physics aims to study natural phenomena (i.e. not made by any will or conscience), with a particular focus on their structures and causes. Somehow, physics could be seen as the fulfilment of the ambitions of metaphysicians. Both fields of study can be bridged by a common quest: the research of the most fundamental constituents, which could be, but not limited to, elements, processes and hypothesis».

            I hope that my modest achievements can be information for reflection for you.

            Vladimir Fedorov

            https://fqxi.org/community/forum/topic/3080

              Dear Xavier

              If you are looking for another essay to read and rate in the final days of the contest, will you consider mine please? I read all essays from those who comment on my page, and if I cant rate an essay highly, then I don't rate them at all. Infact I haven't issued a rating lower that ten. So you have nothing to lose by having me read your essay, and everything to gain.

              Beyond my essay's introduction, I place a microscope on the subjects of universal complexity and natural forces. I do so within context that clock operation is driven by Quantum Mechanical forces (atomic and photonic), while clocks also serve measure of General Relativity's effects (spacetime, time dilation). In this respect clocks can be said to possess a split personality, giving them the distinction that they are simultaneously a study in QM, while GR is a study of clocks. The situation stands whereby we have two fundamental theories of the world, but just one world. And we have a singular device which serves study of both those fundamental theories. Two fundamental theories, but one device? Please join me and my essay in questioning this circumstance?

              My essay goes on to identify natural forces in their universal roles, how they motivate the building of and maintaining complex universal structures and processes. When we look at how star fusion processes sit within a "narrow range of sensitivity" that stars are neither led to explode nor collapse under gravity. We think how lucky we are that the universe is just so. We can also count our lucky stars that the fusion process that marks the birth of a star, also leads to an eruption of photons from its surface. And again, how lucky we are! for if they didn't then gas accumulation wouldn't be halted and the star would again be led to collapse.

              Could a natural organisation principle have been responsible for fine tuning universal systems? Faced with how lucky we appear to have been, shouldn't we consider this possibility?

              For our luck surely didnt run out there, for these photons stream down on earth, liquifying oceans which drive geochemical processes that we "life" are reliant upon. The Earth is made up of elements that possess the chemical potentials that life is entirely dependent upon. Those chemical potentials are not expressed in the absence of water solvency. So again, how amazingly fortunate we are that these chemical potentials exist in the first instance, and additionally within an environment of abundant water solvency such as Earth, able to express these potentials.

              My essay is attempt of something audacious. It questions the fundamental nature of the interaction between space and matter Guv = Tuv, and hypothesizes the equality between space curvature and atomic forces is due to common process. Space gives up a potential in exchange for atomic forces in a conversion process, which drives atomic activity. And furthermore, that Baryons only exist because this energy potential of space exists and is available for exploitation. Baryon characteristics and behaviours, complexity of structure and process might then be explained in terms of being evolved and optimised for this purpose and existence. Removing need for so many layers of extraordinary luck to eventuate our own existence. It attempts an interpretation of the above mentioned stellar processes within these terms, but also extends much further. It shines a light on molecular structure that binds matter together, as potentially being an evolved agency that enhances rigidity and therefor persistence of universal system. We then turn a questioning mind towards Earths unlikely geochemical processes, (for which we living things owe so much) and look at its central theme and propensity for molecular rock forming processes. The existence of chemical potentials and their diverse range of molecular bond formation activities? The abundance of water solvent on Earth, for which many geochemical rock forming processes could not be expressed without? The question of a watery Earth? is then implicated as being part of an evolved system that arose for purpose and reason, alongside the same reason and purpose that molecular bonds and chemistry processes arose.

              By identifying atomic forces as having their origin in space, we have identified how they perpetually act, and deliver work products. Forces drive clocks and clock activity is shown by GR to dilate. My essay details the principle of force dilation and applies it to a universal mystery. My essay raises the possibility, that nature in possession of a natural energy potential, will spontaneously generate a circumstance of Darwinian emergence. It did so on Earth, and perhaps it did so within a wider scope. We learnt how biology generates intricate structure and complexity, and now we learn how it might explain for intricate structure and complexity within universal physical systems.

              To steal a phrase from my essay "A world product of evolved optimization".

              Best of luck for the conclusion of the contest

              Kind regards

              Steven Andresen

              Darwinian Universal Fundamental Origin

              Dear Peter,

              Thank you for your interest in my contribution and your comment.

              > But do you really think we'll "never" be able to understand much more than now?

              Humans have a quite specific ability: we have "replace" natural selection by adapting the structure of our societies. E.g. we have sophisticated health and education systems, so most of us can reach the opportunity to procreate and transmit one's genetic specificity. So I don't think we have much left in front of us in term of biological evolution (and we may not have even the time scale required, considering how we are treating the planet). However, AI could overcome some of our cognitive abilities. Nevertheless, AI may have our very own limitations -- somehow deeply rooted -- as we design them. It is not guaranteed that an emergence will occur with them and lead us in the "right" direction to understand better the Nature.

              > I also ask what you think of the idea of turning your steps into a cycle by feeding back the models into the beginning as hypothese. You did touch on such 'testing'. Is that not the whole business of scientific discovery?

              Of course it is. And there is a loop between hypothesis and feedback from Nature. But this loop is biased: our thought process and our interaction with the world are non independent. That is what I highlighted in the last part of my essay under the form of two biasses. This iterative loop may converge toward a deeper understanding of Nature but we will never be able to tell how close (or far) we are from reaching this objective.

              I read and enjoyed your essay.

              Best of luck to you too.

              Xavier

              Dear Vladimir,

              Thank you for your interest in my contribution and your comment.

              I will read your contribution.

              All the best,

              Xavier

              Xavier,

              Interesting. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed mine. I've now scored yours.

              Best of luck

              Peter

              Hi Xavier,

              You wrote a very nice essay. I would like to add a few comments from the perspective I take in my essay, which also ask the question of what we can know.

              The uniqueness classification might also depend on a cognitive bias: we might project the perception of our self as unique to the exterior world. This perception certainly is evolutionary useful, but might just be an evolutionary product, that helped us to survive. But then the question remains, what it could mean, that the effective and perceptible reality is not unique.

              The classification of the effective and perceptible reality as unique seems to me to correspond to the realistic world view. Which not only leaded to very successful physical models, but also might be a condition for the survival of our species. Again the question remains, how to think the effective reality otherwise.

              A condition for the possibility for experiencing the outside world as real seems to me that the effective reality is lawful. A condition for such a lawfulness to be possible seems to me, that the subsystems can be separated from the rest of the world. Let me explain this with the class of fundamentalParticle. In order to be able to define fundamental particles (their properties such as mass and spin) they must be free particles: their representation depends on the symmetry of the evolution. And these symmetries, depend on the symmetry of the environment and on the separability of the evolution of the free particle from the state of the environment. So there is a sort of cosmological bias on what fundamental classes can be defined, that serve to model complex composite systems.

              So the laws itself might depend on cosmological conditions. And the dependence of the modelling of fundamental classes on conditions under which such models are possible to formulate might be an indication, that the effective reality us such might not be that unique as we would like to think it.

              Again, I think you write a wonderful essay. Thanks.

              Luca

              Hi Xavier,

              "It helps not to confuse the map (what we think we are) with the territory (what we are). Our limits are what defines us as individuals and as human beings. These limits, by defining what we are and what we think we are, are the most fundamental things."

              I believe you need to add master of high philosophy to your bio.

              Thanks for the excellent essay,

              Don Limuti

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