<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Quantum mechanics sold to the mystics
Review: I essentially agree with the review written by Andrew Fyfe.
This book appeared, during the first several chapters, to be carefully considered and dutifully explanatory of quantum mechanics and it's historical background. (For that this book gets its 2 stars.)
However, the careful physicist becomes a loose cannon in later chapters, with offhand definitions of "alive" suddenly being given with no detailed attempt at explanation or support(consider this snippet: "Your hair is alive and so is your heart. But your heart is much more alive than your hair."), and bizarre appeals to emotion and authority that demonstrate the non-sequitor nature of these later chapters. The numerous citings of Plato and other ancient Greek sages is also supposed to convince us that we are only rediscovering (via quantum mechanics) what has been known all along.
The attempt is further made to reconcile quantum mechanics with the process philosophy of A. N. Whitehead. If you were predisposed to Whitehead's philosophy (personally, it does intrigue me somewhat) then you might be interested in the proposals, but otherwise the exercise only stretches one's imagination and patience that much further.
The use of contrived dialogues among imaginary people (in what I can only assume is an homage to Plato) as a way to explain aspects of quantum mechanics is more a nuisance than an aid, and the dialogues of the later chapters are like the chatter of cult members trying to indoctrinate a new recruit rather than any deeply reasoned Socratic argument.
To achieve a stance of mysticism does not and should not require such torture of reason.
If you have previously read Frank Tipler's Physics of Immortality, then you will understand what I mean when I say: what starts out as an apparently studiously crafted book turns out to be a frantic, speculative, and poorly reasoned conclusion.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Malin makes modern physics very accessible and supplies the reader what he/she needs to know in order to explore the implications of physics's latest theories. This book is geared to the reader who knows nothing of the great theories of the early 20th century. This book will open your eyes to a reality that you never thought of before, even though it is the reality that is predicted by accepted physical theories. Malin suggests the problem lies with our world view. Just as people in the past were reluctant to believe the earth wasn't flat, we now are very reluctant to let our Newtonian view of the world go. The world is not how we see it. Malin shows his merit not only as a world reknowned expert on quantum mechanics, but also as a great philosopher and an even better teacher, making hard concepts come to life, with the help of 2 fictional characters he created, Peter and Julie. Very informative and thought provoking.
Rating: 
Summary: Nature slightly less disclosed.
Review: One could be forgiven for assuming that this was yet another book from the popularising-of-science stable written to assuage the thirst for them by the general public. But I must ask Malin for that forgiveness. This book is the most lucid account of the significance and implications of quantum theory written to date. Unlike Hawking'sbook in which he was instructed not to make use of equations as each one costs so many readers (and yet still managing to write a text that few understand),Malin never has a use for them because he writes as one dedicated to elucidation. He proceeds step by step, constantly summing up the main points. There is no obfuscation and no mystery. We are left in no doubt with regard to meaning, and the problems that remain to be solved are clearly outlined. Malin traces the history of quantum theory through the spirit of philosophy that imbues it. The founders of quantum theory did not work out these ideas as though they were merely puzzling phenomena. They were enthused by a sense of philosophical curiosity and dissatisfaction. Were it not for this, we may still be trying to work out the implications of the very small in a neo-Newtonian context. It is this emphasis on the philosophical that is contingent on the scientific that is the real subject here. The front cover reads "Quantum Physics and the Nature of Reality", but these are not synonymous terms. Malin makes it clear that the former is an aspect of the latter, while philosophy already contains the perspective of the former as an intrinsic feature. This is clear from the ideas of Plato and Plotinus, but Malin emphasises their influence on another philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead. This is significant, because Whitehead is almost forgotten as a major figure, and yet there is not a statement in quantum physics that is not already prefigured in his philosophy. It is based on the relations between the temporal and the non-temporal, or eternal objects. Noting the dislike for "eternal objects" as a concept, Whitehead suggests that one use the idea of potential instead, an idea that is crucial to understanding quantum collapse. It is the relationship between the potential and the actual that is the stuff of quantum theory, and yet in Whitehead these are explored as a matter of course. The relationship between Whitehead's philosophy and quantum physics is the major contribution that Malin makes in the pursuit of the paradigm shift that currently evades us. Science, as Malin points out, is restricted in its relevance by its objectivating nature, which excludes the subject of cognizance from its domain of relevance. It is for this reason that reality in a scientific treatment is essentially inert. Malin points this out, quoting from Heisenberg, one of the leading figures in quantum theory. It is a great pity that these philosophical outpourings from scientists themselves are not more openly displayed, for we live in an age that assumes that all of reality can be captivated in a scientific concept. A paradigm shift, as Malin points out, must extend beyond the bounds of science since these exclude the very essence of that which defines the new paradigm. It is a rare thing these days to hear a scientist speaking so boldly concerning the limitations of their work, compared with Stephen Hawking, say, who through science hopes to know the mind of God, while assuming that philosophy ended with Wittgenstein. Perhaps if he had read Whitehead, he may have concluded differently. However, (and this `however' is intended as constructive criticism to help point the way into the new paradigm), Malin underestimates the significance of emotion as Whitehead employs it in his philosophy. He does not quote Whitehead on the subject, but a third party who interprets it: Victor Lowe is right, I believe, when he warns us of "the danger of reading too much into the term `feeling'..." Feeling is the relationship between the one who feels and that which is felt. This is not Whitehead's thought, but Lowe's. For Whitehead, the significance of emotion is central and crucial. Whitehead's actual words are: "It is an essential doctrine in the philosophy of organism, that the primary function of a proposition is to be relevant as a lure for feeling." It is this feeling that is the defining quality of Whitehead's philosophy. Without it, organism becomes a "system", to be understood in the traditional way that excludes the very thing that is the focus of attention for Whitehead. To reduce it to the terms of a relationship is to convert it into a mathematical equation and so negate the very principle that Malin is trying to introduce. In some ways, this is understandable, for to move towards the new paradigm requires the old to be discarded. This is happening in this book very slowly, but nonetheless it is moving. Consequently, in his chapter "Nature Alive", Malin writes: If the universe is alive, emotions may well have cosmological significance. What he should be writing is "The universe is alive, and emotions do indeed have cosmological significance". To take this step forward, and speak with such a confidence that removes the doubt from it is a huge undertaking. Whitehead knew this and said so. Rationalism is an adventure in the clarification of thought, progressive and never final. But it is an adventure in which even partial success has importance. Malin has had that partial success with this book, for no-one has come as close to this convergence between philosophy and science as he. I hope he will continue the adventure and find the courage to intuit the next step and involve himself more fully. Most certainly this is one of the few books you will read that does not feel finished. It is on an edge of discovery. It points somewhere. It points somehow. Read it!
Rating:
Summary: Wanted Dead or Alive
Review: One review for this book says: "Confused? It's easy to be confounded, for lines of thought in modern science and philosophy alike can be difficult to follow." This reminds me of Lao Tsu's famous writing in the Tao Te Ching: "When a wise man hears the words of the Tao he immediately embraces it; when the fool hears of it he scoffs and laughs at it. It wouldn't be the Tao then if he didn't." So if you are confused, then, I suppose it is because that its underlined by great truth and not because, say, there might just be a bit of nonsense to the writing? What Malin writes is the common quantum mysticism that has made such people like Deepak Chopra and his cohorts so undeservingly famous and rich. There is no real evidence to suggest what Malin claims: that we are at a next great paradigm shift in physics, which suggests the universe is akin to an organism. Save your money and time and head for another book. Go read Penrose's The Emperor's New Cloths or Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe for a more fascinating and accurate read on the current state of physics.
Rating:
Summary: Seek and go hide
Review: Quantum physicists are shifty-eyed blokes,with a tendency to talk from the side of the mouth. Studying their public communications I often get the impression they aren't telling us the full story, or else are simply talking rot. They must be hiding something, or else forced to fit a round peg into a square hole, or perhaps their subject is in hiding and they are struck dumb but continue with grammatical sentences. This charmer of a exposition of QM exposes this pyschology and brings out the unsaid 'scandals' of the subject with its trek through the possibilities of Whiteheadean philosophy used to resolve quantum paradox. Many might slam their shutters shut at that, but the treatment shows such restraint and grasp of the issues as to seem effortless. There are many ways to botch such a thesis, with Plotinus brought into the picture, but the account survives and thrives. After a clear exposition of the basic Bohr-Einstein-Bell difficulties, it embarks on a quite exotic tour of the Platonic aspects of the subject clearly present in the musings of Heisenberg,but filtered out of the current harebrained treatments. The problem, by the author's testimony, is the removal of the subject of cognizance from the domain of explanation, the principle of objectification. Next we look at Whitehead's notion that concrete facts are experiences rather than objects. Then this is used to reexamine the 'collapse of quantum states' and we are in the realm of the idea of the potential becoming actual. Now it's clear, a case of the phenomenal and noumenal. Current physics is in transition to a new paradigm, and this one is an aberration. He ends with a quote from Einstein to Heisenberg about his allegiance to Mach, "Possibly I did use this kind of reasoning, but it is nonsense all the same". And so evidently with QM, on its way. I will credit my suspicions from now on. You see the problem, how speak about this in the current environment? Better to go into hiding, or speak through the side of the mouth.
Rating:
Summary: An experience: "object" meets "idea"
Review: The book provides a key that unlocks a doorway between science's world of objects and philosophy's world of ideas. The scientist might be disappointed that the book is not scientific enough and too philosophical. The philosopher might be disappointed that the book is too scientific and not philosophical enough. This book however is about neither science nor philosophy but a dialog that connects and relates the two worlds. Stories and imagined dialogue between friends are used to assist the reader in absorbing the significance of scientific discoveries and philosophical ideas. Each chapter is self-contained in terms of its intent, summary, conclusion and implication. The hallmark of this book is the way in which it brings out the essence of both worlds, simplifies it to a point of understanding and mutual enrichment. Written in the style of a mystery that is unravelled with each step and then leaving the reader to write his/her own ending. Every paragraph provides solutions and insights but then asks new questions that keep the curious reader glued to the book. The reader is challenged to ascends from the world of science into the world of philosophy. To enable this challenge the author provides a rich foundation by elucidating the discoveries of scientist like Einstein, Bohr and Heisenberg as well as the ideas of western philosophers like Whitehead, Plato etc. The author does not claim to be enlightened with all the answers but rather invite the reader to explore the possibility of a new paradigm. The new paradigm destroys a mechanical objectified universe where man is an insignificant spec of dust in a big universe and introduces a dynamic vibrating universe of interconnectivity. In this paradigm, nature is "alive" and man has a particular universal role to play. A paradigm is proposed where experience is the fundamental building block of the universe. This book is recommended to the layman that wishes to enrich and challenge his own worldview with the best of scientific thinking and philosophical contemplation.
Rating:
Summary: Nature Loves to Hide: Quantum Physics and Reality, ...
Review: This book is a magnificent gem of thoughtfulness and connectivity. The clarity of the author's presentation has been of enormous help to me in my investigations into the nature of reality.
The author, a first rate Quantum Theorist and Cosmologist, presents the thinking of the great scientists of the 20th century, such as Niels Bohr, Erwin Schroedinger, Albert Einstein, Werner Heisenberg, P.A.M. Dirac, and others in a clear and concise way accessible to all thinking individuals. His expositions and ideas deal with the central challenges of human investigations into the nature of reality as questioned by these great scientists. He wonderfully describes the famous Bohr-Einstein debates, the principle of objectivation stated by Schroedinger, the thinking of Dirac and Heisenberg. Dr. Malin elucidates Bell's theorem and its implications by the use of himself, Peter, and Julie all characters in this book who actually help to clarify many of the fine points.
Dr. Malin states that Quantum Mechanics provides a vital hint as to the nature of reality in its description of quantum collapse. In one of several examples Dr. Malin indicates that the release of an electron from one end of a cathode ray tube and its arrival at the other end - the screen - is a complex process in quantum physics. It is inaccurate to be speak of the electron's trajectory, since the electron is really an infinite field of potential wave functions in the intervening space, each with respective probabilities of appearing at a point on the screen. Of all these potential wave functions only one will become actual - the quantum collapse or the appearance of the electron at a definte spot on the screen. What or who chooses which actuality occurs is the question Dr. Malin asked Dirac. Dirac answered: "Nature chooses." Here begins Dr. Malin's deeper search into the presence of intelligence behind the visible world. Dr. Malin cites Plato's Timaeus, the fourth century Platonic philosopher Plotinus's Enneads, and the modern philosopher A. N. Whitehead's writings as sources for his view of reality. His reasoning is compelling. I find myself reading and rereading this book and recommend it for those who sense that there is more to the world we see and sense.
Rating:
Summary: By "Western Perspective" he means "Western Mysticism"
Review: This book was written for the "true believer." I can only assume that the series of emotional appeals, appeals to authorities, and scare tactics was intended for a reader who grew up learning honesty, loyalty, and faith, but missing the value of skepticism. It is hard to blame someone for not having learned skepticism since the culture everyone is raised in not only fails to value it, but actually considers it a vice. However, Malin asserts to be a scientist, and learning to value skepticism is a key part of becoming a scientist. I do not know how, as a scientist, Malin can think, "This view is supported by eminent scientist's reports of direct experiences of the aliveness of putatively inanimate objects." is valid evidence in supporting his claim that that, "The universe and its constituents are alive!" Then, after appealing to a few more authorities, Malin moves on to his emotional appeals. The first part of his chapter "Nature Alive" asks us (in essence but not in exact form), "come on, you mean to tell me when you look at a great piece of art you don't feel it talking to you? Cannot you not see the difference between a flimsy plastic table and a master crafted oak desk? One is more alive then the other!" Next he moves on to scaring us into believing him. Malin tells us the world of science is "colorless, cold, mute" over and over. He tells us that with the "Newtonian world-view...one has no choice but to think of the events in the physical world as predetermined movements of a lifeless machine." Of course none of these reasons are even remotely close to a sound argument, and so I must assume he meant his book for those unthinking masses which put books on the bestseller list. Unlike Malin I do not believe "our culture is addicted to science." Most people want science's approval--they want science to tell them that their religion/beliefs/values are true and scientific--but if science does not approve their beliefs they have no intentions of abandoning their religion or mystic system. Without that willingness to abandon disproved theories, our culture is no where near science and will remain addicted to pseudo-science. That is exactly what Malin's book is, and that is exactly why it will sell. I must say however he does speak on quantum physics rather clearly, particularly in the first 80 pages. However, after that the book goes downhill into his own brand of western mysticism. Even the first 80 pages are stained a little with his strange doctrine. This would have been a really good book if Malin had just stuck with Quantum Physics and not gone off with his unsupported claims.
Rating:
Summary: Platonism bewitched by Quantum Worlds
Review: To paraphrase two statements by the pioneer of of Quantum theory
Neil Bohr:
1. About truth & clarity: You can have one or the other, not both at the same time (position or velocity of the electron). 2. About language & mind: It is wrong to think the task of physics is to find out how nature is.
Physics concerns what we can say about nature. Prof Malin in his book Nature Loves To Hide took the reader in a lovely journey of Quantum Worlds and Philosophies in which he intersected and textualised 'reality' with human mind emphasizing
that 'reality' doesn't have independent existence.
To philosophize through Quantum Physics; to know(clarify)
is to collapse 'wave function' but truth(Totality-Being) remains unknown.
To know through Platonic 'ideal form' is to restrict Being-Totality to 'ought' or ideal value.(M.Heidegger).But why
the restriction of Being to 'ought'? Martin Heidegger provided the following answer: the question of Being always unfolds historically through thinkers belonging to an epoch and tradition he or she inherits( paradigm shifts explained). Thus Heidegger investigates the Origins of 'Oughts' or Platonic 'Ideal Forms' by traversing the beginning and end of metaphysics,its emergence from Plato's idea of 'Ideal Forms'
and its culmination in Nietzshe's revaluation of values.
Values arise with the translation of dynamic experince of Being into static concepts. After the presocratics(Parmenides&
Heraclitus) Plato allowed a longing for eternity to govern our understanding of Being, thus the division between Being and Ought. Heidegger countered these 'falls' or tendencies (Cosmologists&Physicists seem specially vulnerable to these falls) with a new concept of human being as 'Dasein' to resonate
with presocratic greek experince of nature as self emerging presence.
Dasein is not just a natural being; its being-in-the world
discloses beings and others. Dasein is the being through which self,nature and being can be revealed(wave function collapse),
both in their emergence into the presence and their withdrawal
into the abscence. Nature has to choose(Paul Dirac).
Why is there beings instead of nothing? Any answer(collapse
of wave function) will be unsatisfactory. Even going outside the universe to look at it(to collapse it) will beg the question of who is observing the observer observing the universe.
According to Heidegger we live in the question, we celebrate
the 'whys' with wonders & conteplation. And seeking answer to 'whys' is the ultimate futility.
We can only cultivate responses to Being as care (heidegger),
devotion (Hindoism), meditation (Buddhism),non-action (Taoism). Since it is so hard to escape neoplatonism and quantum- mysticism Prof Malin at least struggled with these.He should be
congratulated for them.
It's a wonderful read and I am on my third reread. Kazi.
<< 1 >>
|
