#physics philosophy

[frank-olivier]

A Mind in Motion: The Evolution of Paul Dirac’s Thought and Legacy

Paul Dirac's life and work embody the intricate dance between intellectual curiosity, philosophical evolution, and the relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge. His strict upbringing, characterized by a unique linguistic regime imposed by his father, played a pivotal role in shaping his intellectual trajectory. This environment, where French was spoken with his father and English with his mother, likely honed Dirac's ability to navigate complex systems and think abstractly. Initially inclined towards engineering, a path influenced by his family's vocational leanings, his innate mathematical aptitude eventually led him to the realm of theoretical physics.

The interplay between environmental influences and innate talent in the development of exceptional minds is a fascinating aspect of Dirac's story. The structured and disciplined environment may have fostered Dirac's meticulous approach to problem-solving, a trait that would later serve him well in the precise world of theoretical physics. His natural affinity for mathematics, evident from an early age, underscores the role of inherent ability in shaping one's academic and professional pursuits. Investigating similarly raised individuals could provide valuable insights into the cultivation of genius, elucidating whether specific aspects of their upbringing, such as bilingualism and strict discipline, were instrumental in their success.

Dirac's transformative shift from an anti-religious, anti-philosophical stance to embracing mathematical beauty as a guiding principle in physics is a defining aspect of his legacy. This philosophical evolution led to the creation of the Dirac equation, a seminal work that seamlessly integrated quantum theory with special relativity. The beauty and elegance of this equation not only reflected Dirac's newfound appreciation for aesthetic considerations in physics but also underscored the efficacy of such an approach in driving scientific breakthroughs. Historical precedents, such as Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion, derived from a desire to create a harmonious, beautiful system, preceded empirical validation, illustrating the power of aesthetic considerations in anticipating scientific truths.

The pursuit of string theory, driven by its mathematical elegance despite lacking direct empirical evidence, further solidifies Dirac's enduring influence on the philosophical underpinnings of modern physics. This interplay between beauty and truth in physics suggests that aesthetic considerations can serve as a heuristic for theory development, particularly in areas where empirical data is scarce or inconclusive. Moreover, the significant role of geometric thinking in Dirac's contributions, particularly in the development of the Dirac equation, underscores the importance of geometry in driving innovation in physics, from Euclid's influence on Isaac Newton's understanding of space to Albert Einstein's reliance on Riemannian geometry for general relativity.

The disparity between Dirac's enigmatic public persona and his nuanced personal life serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in science communication. The public's perception of scientists is often reduced to caricatures or stereotypes, neglecting the rich tapestry of their personal experiences and motivations. Presenting scientists in a more holistic light could enhance public engagement with science, fostering empathy and understanding for the human endeavor behind scientific discoveries. Exploring Dirac's personal struggles, including his complicated family relationships and his later-life introspections, humanizes the figure of Dirac, offering a compelling narrative for science outreach and education initiatives.

Dirac's later years, marked by introspection and a critical reevaluation of his work, including Quantum Field Theory, exemplify the self-reflexive nature of scientific advancement. Despite his personal reservations, his legacy remains resolute, with ongoing research drawing inspiration from his pioneering work. The continued pursuit of theories guided by the principle of mathematical beauty stands as a testament to Dirac's profound and lasting influence on the trajectory of modern physics. His work has also influenced fields beyond physics, such as mathematics and philosophy, underscoring the far-reaching implications of his ideas.

Graham Farmelo: Paul Dirac and the religion of mathematical beauty (The Royal Society, London, March 2011)

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

[csms-jpg]

7.08.2024. Thinking tools

[psycohousecat]

If you feel that your mind is succumbing to the lure of the void be sure to bring lots of treats and catnip .. 😱❤️😱

[scienceisbeauty]

😎

Via

[hasellia]

Philosopher: "What is 1 + 2 ?"

Mathematician " 2.5. If one more person says that irrational numbers are valid I'm going to drown someone."

Statistician " 4. When in doubt, add plus one."

Engineer: " 3 is the strongest number, but regulations require to double our numbers for safety. So I'm saying 6."

Physicist " 3.5. I'm the smartest person here & I have no idea why the equation outputs that number. Y'all just to cowardly to admit the same."

Atronomer : "It's probably 2.3, give or take a few .3s."

Biologist: " Do you have any idea how complicated the dynamics of 1 interacting with 2 is? I've got no idea."

Geologist: " I'm guessing 2."

Chemist: " we mixed a bunch stuff together for fun. The carcinogen we made could only have happened if the equation equals 3. So I'm saying 3."

Mathematician: "I'm going to drown you."

[guiltyidealist]

autism loading screen tips

Did you know: You can brush your teeth at any time of the day! Try brushing for 1 minute next time you're in the bathroom.

If showers are hard for you, try wiping your body down with baby wipes instead!

Dry hands every time you wash them? Apply extra lotion to your wrists and forearms. After washing, wet your wrists and rub the lotion down your hands! Pat dry.

In a pinch, a little Icy Hot can help ground you during an episode or meltdown. Apply a little to your arm and focus on the sensation

Dysmorphia, dysphoria, or self-esteem impairing your bodily hygiene? Try bathing in dim lighting (lights off might not be safe!) to impair your body issues back!

You're literally so cool (:

Struggling with oral hygiene because of spoons? Any little bit counts, even if you can't do the whole routine. Just swishing mouthwash or brushing without paste still helps!

Pro tip: everything is a stim tool. All you have to do is stim with it

Foster hydration by having a mini-fridge full of water next in your leisure area or bedroom. You can even add flavorings!

Did you know? The more similar to us we think someone is, the more we favor them-- You are psychologically predisposed to love yourself!

Biophilia refers to the natural affinity for... well... nature. Empirical data shows that humans fare better when exposed to imagery of nature. Harness these effects for yourself by opening windows or displaying rocks!

Noise-cancelling headphones are your best. friend.

the abolition of capitalism is the only way to make things right for this planet and all its inhabitants

[explore-blog]

“We were never promised any of it — this world of cottonwoods and clouds — when the Big Bang set the possible in motion. And yet here we are, atoms with consciousness, each of us a living improbability forged of chaos and dead stars. Children of chance, we have made ourselves into what we are — creatures who can see a universe of beauty in the feather of a bird and can turn a blind eye to each other’s suffering, creatures capable of the Benedictus and the bomb.”

The New York Times selects the best sentences of 2023.

[hexagr]

Why do we study science? Well, since we can't study magic itself—because magic is invisible and hard to detect—we choose to study the fields closest to magic: math, physics, biology, computer science, and so on.

[winningismyjob]

Stop caring what people think. Just do you, and do what you know will help build your future.

[noosphe-re]

The very nature of materiality is an entanglement. Matter itself is always already open to, or rather entangled with, the "Other." The intra-actively emergent "parts" of phenomena are co­constituted. Not only subjects but also objects are permeated through and through with their entangled kin; the other is not just in one's skin, but in one's bones, in one's belly, in one's heart, in one's nucleus, in one's past and future.

Karen Barad, Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning

[kittydisk]

time symmetry - conservation of energy

[stemgirlchic]

[trickstersaint]

fr though you have to write bad poetry. poems are not handed down to you fully formed by god they are things that you have to work on and practice your skill at creating. nobody would expect you to sit down at a pottery wheel and end up with a perfect vase with no practice. it's a skill! art is a learned thing!! you have to make the shitty little pots with dents and marks and your fingerprints all over them in order to get better. and you're allowed to be proud of those first little pots you made too

[scienceisbeauty]

Ok, light is both, or neither. 😎

[queercodedangel]

Humanity dying because of capitalism would be some embarassing shit. Like imagine a whole species destroying their world because they couldn't think beyond profit. The whole intergalactic community is gonna laugh at us 💀

[jvgsjeff]