more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 17534
[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 2. Powers as Basic
]
Full Idea
The 1924 idea of the 'probability wave' meant a tendency for something. It was a quantitative version of the old concept of 'potentia' in Aristotelian philosophy ...a strange kind of physical reality just in the middle between possibility and reality.
Gist of Idea
A 'probability wave' is a quantitative version of Aristotle's potential, a mid-way type of reality
Source
Werner Heisenberg (Physics and Philosophy [1958], 02)
Book Ref
Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.29
A Reaction
[compressed] As far as I can see, he is talking about a disposition or power, which is exactly between a mere theoretical possibility and an actuality. See the Mumford/Lill Anjum proposal for a third modal value, between possible and necessary.
Related Idea
Idea 17535
Dispositionality has its own distinctive type of modality [Mumford/Anjum]
The
17 ideas
from 'Physics and Philosophy'
17536
|
If it can't be expressed mathematically, it can't occur in nature?
[Heisenberg]
|
17534
|
A 'probability wave' is a quantitative version of Aristotle's potential, a mid-way type of reality
[Heisenberg]
|
17533
|
Radiation interference needs waves, but radiation photoelectric effects needs particles
[Heisenberg]
|
17532
|
An atom's stability after collisions needs explaining (which Newton's mechanics can't do)
[Heisenberg]
|
17537
|
Position is complementary to velocity or momentum, so the whole system is indeterminate
[Heisenberg]
|
17538
|
Quantum theory does not introduce minds into atomic events
[Heisenberg]
|
17544
|
Basic particles have a mathematical form, which is more important than their substance
[Heisenberg]
|
17540
|
Energy is that which moves, and is the substance from which everything is made
[Heisenberg]
|
17541
|
Energy is an unchanging substance, having many forms, and causing all change
[Heisenberg]
|
17543
|
So-called 'empty' space is the carrier of geometry and kinematics
[Heisenberg]
|
17545
|
Quantum theory shows that exact science does not need dogmatic realism
[Heisenberg]
|
17548
|
Maxwell introduced real fields, which transferred forces from point to point
[Heisenberg]
|
17550
|
We give a mathematical account of a system of natural connections in order to clarify them
[Heisenberg]
|
17549
|
Seven theories in science: mechanics, heat, electricity, quantum, particles, relativity, life
[Heisenberg, by PG]
|
17553
|
We can retain the idea of 'substance', as indestructible mass or energy
[Heisenberg]
|
17552
|
In relativity the length of the 'present moment' is relative to distance from the observer
[Heisenberg]
|
17551
|
It was formerly assumed that electromagnetic waves could not be a reality in themselves
[Heisenberg]
|