Grant Bartley and Kieran Quill join other philosophy group members to debate whether the universe is mental according to quantum mechanics. Topics include philosophical idealism, the relationship between numbers, mind, and the physical world, the concept of one plus one equaling two, exploring the deep mind, and questioning the essence of reality.
According to quantum mechanics, the universe is mental in nature, supporting the concept of philosophical idealism.
Numbers are not descriptions of the world but rather mental concepts used as tools to manage our encounter with the world.
Deep dives
Philosophical Idealism and Modern Physics
In this podcast episode, Kieran Quinn discusses the concept of philosophical idealism and its connection to modern physics. Philosophical idealism, or immaterialism, posits that only ideas and minds exist. Bishop George Barkley is highlighted as an important figure associated with this doctrine. Barkley's denial of the existence of matter as a metaphysical substance is explained, emphasizing that he did not reject the empirical reality of the external world. The discussion then turns to quantum mechanics and the challenges it presents to our understanding of reality. A contemporary physicist, Professor Richard Henry, is mentioned as an advocate for idealism in response to modern physics. Henry argues that physics supports the idea that the universe is mental, publishing his metaphysical views in scientific journals. The debate surrounding interpretations of quantum mechanics is described, highlighting the counterintuitive nature of the theory. The symmetries observed in the universe and the conservation of quantities are discussed, leading Henry to argue that the universe is mental. Quinn expresses his personal appeal to philosophical idealism, finding it consistent with modern science and a response to the criticisms of materialism.
The Nature of Numbers and Mental Realities
The debate continues by examining the nature of numbers and the assertion that numbers are mental entities. A distinction is made between numbers as mental concepts and their ability to refer to things in the same way that names do. It is argued that numbers do not describe anything and mathematical propositions do not refer in the same way as empirical propositions. The discussion touches on the philosophical views of Ludwig Wittgenstein, who suggests that numbers are part of a language game, a tool for managing our encounter with the world, rather than representing an abstract realm. The issue of one plus one equals two is debated, with a clarification that it is part of the grammar of language rather than an empirical proposition. The argument concludes with a consideration of the limitations of science in providing deeper answers about the fundamental essence of reality.
Objections and Criticisms of Idealism
Objections to idealism are raised, specifically regarding the challenge of accounting for a shared world and the existence of objects that are not directly perceived. The reliance on memory, hypotheses, and conceptual associations in navigating the world is highlighted. The limitations of perception and the potential slide into solipsism are discussed. It is argued that the mental realm in idealism should not be equated with personal imagination, but rather seen as a non-dependent reality, separate from our personal perceptions. The challenges of language and semantics in discussing these concepts are acknowledged, with references to the views of Wittgenstein and JB Small. The discussion concludes with the acknowledgement that some individuals seek deeper answers than what science can provide.
Upcoming Philosophy Events
The episode concludes with information about upcoming philosophy events. Philosophy for All, a philosophy discussion group in London, and the Philosophical Society of England are mentioned. Details about their meeting dates, topics, and locations are provided, encouraging listeners to attend if interested. The episode ends with a reminder that past shows can be accessed as podcasts on the Philosophy Now website.
Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now (and author of The Metarevolution) is joined by members of London philosophy groups Philosophy For All and the Philosophical Society of England to debate an argument advanced by PFA member Kieran Quill that according to quantum mechanics the universe is mental in nature. Join us to hear the fallout. First broadcast on 29 June 2014 on Resonance FM.
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