Single Idea 17541

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 2. Thermodynamics / a. Energy]

Full Idea

Energy is a substance, since its total amount does not change. ...Energy can be changed into motion, into heat, into light and into tension. Energy may be called the fundamental cause for all change in the world.

Gist of Idea

Energy is an unchanging substance, having many forms, and causing all change

Source

Werner Heisenberg (Physics and Philosophy [1958], 04)

Book Reference

Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.51


A Reaction

Grandiose stuff. I remain unconvinced that Heisenberg (clever fellow, I'm told) has any idea of what he is talking about.

Related Idea

Idea 15265 'Energy' is a quasi-substance invented as the bearer of change during interactions [Harré/Madden]