Timothy Ferris points out in "The Whole Shebang" that often people consider the "indeterminacy principle" as representing the difficulty of accurately measuring the locations and trajectories of particles, but "the point is not that it is hard to find out just where, say an electron is, but that the electron has no exact location. Depending on how it is measured, an electron can look specifically as a pinpoint or as vague as a cumulus cloud."
Furthermore, relating this concept to the Quantum Zeno effect, we know that it is impossible to separate the observer from the thing observed - they are one and the same system. If observed continuously, an unstable elementary particle would never decay...
In the same way, since the brain is a quantum system, focusing on a given idea holds its pattern of connecting neurons in place and the idea does not decay as it would if it were ignored.
Ironically, the action of holding an idea in place is truly a decision you make, leading to the Stapp and Schwartz "Decision Model" based on the VonNeuman interpretation of Quantum physics that "a particle only probably exists in one position or another and that measurement causes a 'Quantum collapse' where the experimenter has chosen a position for the particle, thus ruling out other positions."
Interestingly, Stapp and Schwartz modeled free will from this concept and claimed it to be analagous to thought processes. Attending to or "measuring" a thought holds it in place and "collapses" the probabilities on one position. The model assumes the existence of a mind that chooses the subject of attention, parallel to the quantum collapse that assumes the existence of an experimenter who chooses the point of a measurement.
I found this theory to be interesting, but not conclusive in itself, yet postulating the mechanism for thought processes between the mind and brain is a fascinating subject...the compelling evidence for a non-material mind separate from the brain presented in "The Spiritual Brain" convinced me of the mind's metaphysical identity and its interactions with and surprising power over the physical brain.
It is so ironic that while scientists with a materialist view of reality cannot fathom anything outside of the brain, in reality, the majority of people in the world operate assuming the existence of a free-will, "choice," and the truth of the power of the mind's belief overcoming the circumstances. Perhaps a broad generalization, but the simple "mind over matter" saying is nothing new and in fact quite a simple concept that did not necessitate the discovery of Quantum physics to divulge.
It amuses me when scientists conclude what the common man has known all along...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Quantum Neuroscience
I am in the middle of reading a fascinating book called "The Spiritual Brain; A Scientist's Case for the Existence of the Soul" by Mario Beauregard, Ph.D. and Denyse O'Leary.
In the first part of the book, Beauregard and O'Leary apply the principles of quantum physics to neuroscience, and the conclusions are startling. Determinism's relation to human action was always a sort of enigma for me, perhaps because proponents of the theory commonly mistake all the laws of the universe to obey classical, Newtonian physics. However, from Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in modern physics, we know that electrons do not definitely exist in space and time; they are a cloud of probabilities and their existence at any one point is only potential. When electrons pass from one state to another, they don't "pass through" the space in between... rather there is nothing in between. Fully aware of this, I did not consider the consequences of modern physics in the natural sciences such as the study of the human brain. We know that the synapses or the spaces between neurons in our brains conduct signals with ions, which function according to the rules of quantum physics and not classical physics.
The authors of "The Spiritual Brain" assert: "determinism is dispelled right away as the basic level of the universe is a cloud of probabilities, not of laws...in the human brain we are not driven to process a given decision...we experience a "smear" of possibilities."
There's so much more here but I have to go do real work now...
In the first part of the book, Beauregard and O'Leary apply the principles of quantum physics to neuroscience, and the conclusions are startling. Determinism's relation to human action was always a sort of enigma for me, perhaps because proponents of the theory commonly mistake all the laws of the universe to obey classical, Newtonian physics. However, from Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in modern physics, we know that electrons do not definitely exist in space and time; they are a cloud of probabilities and their existence at any one point is only potential. When electrons pass from one state to another, they don't "pass through" the space in between... rather there is nothing in between. Fully aware of this, I did not consider the consequences of modern physics in the natural sciences such as the study of the human brain. We know that the synapses or the spaces between neurons in our brains conduct signals with ions, which function according to the rules of quantum physics and not classical physics.
The authors of "The Spiritual Brain" assert: "determinism is dispelled right away as the basic level of the universe is a cloud of probabilities, not of laws...in the human brain we are not driven to process a given decision...we experience a "smear" of possibilities."
There's so much more here but I have to go do real work now...
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Evening
I just finished "The Man Behind the Mask; Journey of an orthopaedic surgeon" by Dr. Mallory
and I want to start my writing here with a few quotes from a man I look up to as having a wise and honest perspective of the "evening" stage of his life. After leading a successful career in orthopaedic surgery, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease nearly uprooted his steadfast character. After wrestling with the diagnosis and the options, he took an inspiring perspective to his condition that I want to remember:
"I am more history and legacy than I am actual reality. My physical impairments construct a barrier that allows me to translate myself to a more distant influence, which is less intense, less judgmental, less expecting, but nevertheless curious and continuing...I'm living a fulfilling life even in a failing body. I see no reason for cynicism, doubt or despair. I do not allow to take root in my mind any thoughts that might lead to depression. For myself, I have determined that depression, the modern-day mental illness, is a self-centered mind-set; it is seldom provoked but is tolerated as an attitude. It promotes preoccupation with self, and its effects can be reversed promptly when one considers others first. I attempt to capture depressing thoughts and reverse them; this reversal encompasses a fundamental sense of gratitude for what already has come to pass, and for the unshakable confidence in the present and the future, that life is an episode and not a condition." -Dr. Thomas Mallory, M.D.
That's a perspective I'd like to adopt...especially when the sun is setting, my eyes are getting dim, and the "episode" of my life is in its final encore.
and I want to start my writing here with a few quotes from a man I look up to as having a wise and honest perspective of the "evening" stage of his life. After leading a successful career in orthopaedic surgery, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease nearly uprooted his steadfast character. After wrestling with the diagnosis and the options, he took an inspiring perspective to his condition that I want to remember:
"I am more history and legacy than I am actual reality. My physical impairments construct a barrier that allows me to translate myself to a more distant influence, which is less intense, less judgmental, less expecting, but nevertheless curious and continuing...I'm living a fulfilling life even in a failing body. I see no reason for cynicism, doubt or despair. I do not allow to take root in my mind any thoughts that might lead to depression. For myself, I have determined that depression, the modern-day mental illness, is a self-centered mind-set; it is seldom provoked but is tolerated as an attitude. It promotes preoccupation with self, and its effects can be reversed promptly when one considers others first. I attempt to capture depressing thoughts and reverse them; this reversal encompasses a fundamental sense of gratitude for what already has come to pass, and for the unshakable confidence in the present and the future, that life is an episode and not a condition." -Dr. Thomas Mallory, M.D.
That's a perspective I'd like to adopt...especially when the sun is setting, my eyes are getting dim, and the "episode" of my life is in its final encore.
Welcome
Welcome to Ursula's random musings, quotes, thoughts etc.
I hope your time spent here is worthwhile.
Sometimes, it just feels necessary to write things down. Words in general, but especially writing carries so much power. Unfortunately we live in an age of overload on just about everything, including information, knowledge and "words." I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do aim to actively pursue the truth. I hope at least a tiny part of these words strung together will be meaningful to more than just myself.
I hope your time spent here is worthwhile.
Sometimes, it just feels necessary to write things down. Words in general, but especially writing carries so much power. Unfortunately we live in an age of overload on just about everything, including information, knowledge and "words." I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do aim to actively pursue the truth. I hope at least a tiny part of these words strung together will be meaningful to more than just myself.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Quotes and Lyrics
"Our sanctification does not depend upon changing our works, but in doing for God's sake that which we commonly do for our own." -Brother Lawrence
"[God] seems to do nothing of Himself which He can possibly delegate to His creatures. He commands us to do slowly and blunderingly what He could do perfectly and in the twinkling of an eye." -"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"
"We only trust people we know. If you are struggling to trust God, it may be because you don't really know God." -Martha Tennison
"Kelly I don't think
I've ever wanted as much
to be free as
I've wanted to be known
The things I hate
when I look at my life
the worst is my
being alone."
"Mi socorro ha sido tu
En la sombra de tus alas
yo me gozare
Mi alma esta pegada a ti
Porque tu diestra
me ha sostenido"
"The dreams I dream for you,
are deeper than the ones you're clinging to
more precious than the finest things you do
If you relent the treasures you pursue...
Let the old dreams die
like stars that fade from view
and take the cup I offer
and drink deeply of the dreams I dream for you"
-Point of Grace
"All my reaching and yearning and striving is not to belong to Christ (which has already happened) but to complete what is lacking in my likeness to Him" - John Piper "The Passion of the Christ"
"[God] seems to do nothing of Himself which He can possibly delegate to His creatures. He commands us to do slowly and blunderingly what He could do perfectly and in the twinkling of an eye." -"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"
"We only trust people we know. If you are struggling to trust God, it may be because you don't really know God." -Martha Tennison
"Kelly I don't think
I've ever wanted as much
to be free as
I've wanted to be known
The things I hate
when I look at my life
the worst is my
being alone."
"Mi socorro ha sido tu
En la sombra de tus alas
yo me gozare
Mi alma esta pegada a ti
Porque tu diestra
me ha sostenido"
"The dreams I dream for you,
are deeper than the ones you're clinging to
more precious than the finest things you do
If you relent the treasures you pursue...
Let the old dreams die
like stars that fade from view
and take the cup I offer
and drink deeply of the dreams I dream for you"
-Point of Grace
"All my reaching and yearning and striving is not to belong to Christ (which has already happened) but to complete what is lacking in my likeness to Him" - John Piper "The Passion of the Christ"
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Pearls before Swine
my fists clutched tightly
rich white jewels
so proudly thought
I'd nothing to lose
such costly pearls I threw away
never imagined I'd hear you say...
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Maker's hands
selfish passions, obsession blamed,
drawing closer to the enticing flames
my jewels fell down
with arms thrust wide
I thought he loved me
but I guess he lied
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Maker's hands
into the mud
my pearls sand deep
as he came trampling
them all 'neath his feet
torn and broken to my knees I fell
praying escape from this evil spell
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Savior's hands
He came and filled my empty soul
with jewels more radiant than before
the painful lesson learned only in time
never again cast pearls before swine,
never again cast my pearls before swine
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Savior's hands
-Ursula Brush
"Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them beneath their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." Matthew 7:6
rich white jewels
so proudly thought
I'd nothing to lose
such costly pearls I threw away
never imagined I'd hear you say...
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Maker's hands
selfish passions, obsession blamed,
drawing closer to the enticing flames
my jewels fell down
with arms thrust wide
I thought he loved me
but I guess he lied
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Maker's hands
into the mud
my pearls sand deep
as he came trampling
them all 'neath his feet
torn and broken to my knees I fell
praying escape from this evil spell
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Savior's hands
He came and filled my empty soul
with jewels more radiant than before
the painful lesson learned only in time
never again cast pearls before swine,
never again cast my pearls before swine
oh my child in time, you'll understand
how this thorn inside, like a grain of sand
transforms to riches in your Savior's hands
-Ursula Brush
"Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them beneath their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." Matthew 7:6
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