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Single Idea 6552

[filed under theme 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction ]

Full Idea

It is impossible to explain the manifest qualities of ordinary middle-sized objects except by tracing these back to the behaviour of entities which themselves no longer possess these qualities.

Gist of Idea

You can only explain the qualities of large objects using entities which lack those qualities

Source

Werner Heisenberg (Ancient Thought in Modern Physics [1937], p.119), quoted by William Lycan - Consciousness 8.10

Book Ref

Lycan,William G.: 'Consciousness' [MIT 1995], p.111

A Reaction

Compare the similar wonderful remark by Lucretius (Idea 5713). If we accept this as a general principle for all of nature (including us) - and I do - then it is silly to complain that consciousness isn't found in basic physics.

Related Idea

Idea 5713 You needn't be made of laughing particles to laugh, so why not sensation from senseless seeds? [Lucretius]

The 18 ideas from Werner Heisenberg

6552 You can only explain the qualities of large objects using entities which lack those qualities [Heisenberg]
17533 Radiation interference needs waves, but radiation photoelectric effects needs particles [Heisenberg]
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]
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]