back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 15265

[from 'Causal Powers' by Harré,R./Madden,E.H., in 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 2. Thermodynamics / a. Energy ]

Full Idea

In the case of electron/positron/gamma ray annihilation scientists maintain the paradigm of rational explanation by inventing a quasi-substance as the bearer of continuity, and all three are seen in terms of 'energy'.

Gist of Idea

'Energy' is a quasi-substance invented as the bearer of change during interactions

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 6.III)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.108


A Reaction

What a relief to see energy described as a 'quasi-substance'. I spent all of my physics studies bewildered by the nature of energy (especially when described as 'pure energy'). What does e=mc^2 mean if e is a quasi-substance?