The Matter Myth, by Paul Davies and John
Gribbin, is a book that discusses recent developments in physics that have
contributed to the revolution of modern science. An important topic discussed
in the first chapter of this book is the change in humanity’s way of thinking
and developing scientific theories. The paradigm shift from mechanism and
materialism to post-mechanism and the death of materialism described. Lastly,
the chapter discusses causes of errors in theories, such as taking the face
value of a system as reality.
Mechanism
is a paradigm inspired by Isaac Newton’s theory that the Universe is a giant
purposeless machine. The Universe can be pictured as mathematically precise
clockwork. This way of thinking was popularized by the application of Newton’s
laws during the Industrial Revolution. For the first time in history, engineers
were allowed to create things that did not need to rely on trial and error. Along
with this advancement came a passion for obtaining large quantities of matter.
Wealth took the form of land, gold, or other resources. Newton’s view of the
world explains humans as automatons that are essentially “cogs” in a giant
machine called the Universe. Sadly, this view caused demoralization and
depersonalization, because it states that free will is essentially and
illusion.
(above) Although wealth is still measured in
materials such as gold, the world is changing. Information is becoming more
valuable as post-mechanism is gaining more support.
The
post-mechanistic view of the Universe states that not everything is
predetermined. Because it is difficult to explain concepts such as morality and
love, post-mechanism is a helpful way to view the world; it allows room for
free will. As theories such as the chaos theory are developed, the world
becomes less materialistic. For example, Australia is developing a new type of
city called the Multi-Function Polis (MFP). The MFP is designed to have health,
research, and recreations facilities along with a high-tech communications
network. The purpose of this type of city is to allow Australia to skip the Industrial
Revolution and enter an economic order based on information.
Lastly,
the causes of errors in theories are briefly discussed in this chapter. Taking
the face value of a system as reality is on source of error that is briefly
discussed. For example, biologists once believed that organisms were infused
with a life force because embryos were capable of recovering from deliberate
mutilation. This theory is called vitalism. Vitalism was completely discredited
when the genetic code was cracked, demonstrating that life is based on chemical
reactions similar to those in lifeless systems.
(above) The long necks of giraffes caused a belief
that acquired traits were passed on through generations. This theory was later
proven wrong with the cracking of the genetic code.
Bibliography
Davies, Paul, and John Gribbin. The Matter Myth. New York: Orion Productions, 1992. Print
Images:
No comments:
Post a Comment