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Single Idea 17536
[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 4. Mathematical Empiricism / b. Indispensability of mathematics
]
Full Idea
The solution was to turn around the question How can one in the known mathematical scheme express a given experimental situation? and ask Is it true that only such situations can arise in nature as can be expressed in the mathematical formalism?
Gist of Idea
If it can't be expressed mathematically, it can't occur in nature?
Source
Werner Heisenberg (Physics and Philosophy [1958], 02)
Book Ref
Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.30
A Reaction
This has the authority of the great Heisenberg, and is the ultimate expression of 'mathematical physics', beyond anything Galileo or Newton ever conceived. I suppose Pythagoras would have thought that Heisenberg was obviously right.
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]
|
17543
|
So-called 'empty' space is the carrier of geometry and kinematics
[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]
|
17545
|
Quantum theory shows that exact science does not need dogmatic realism
[Heisenberg]
|
17550
|
We give a mathematical account of a system of natural connections in order to clarify them
[Heisenberg]
|
17548
|
Maxwell introduced real fields, which transferred forces from point to point
[Heisenberg]
|
17549
|
Seven theories in science: mechanics, heat, electricity, quantum, particles, relativity, life
[Heisenberg, by PG]
|
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]
|
17553
|
We can retain the idea of 'substance', as indestructible mass or energy
[Heisenberg]
|