The Conscious Universe: Part and Whole in Modern Physical Theory

by Menas Kafatos, Robert L. Nadeau

The authors show that a generalized principle of complementary is pervasive not only in physical theories such as cosmological models of the universe but also in the constructions of all human realities. They suggest that consciousness can no longer be divorced from the problem of the way science operates. The book concludes by making the case that this realization entails a new way of understanding the universe that could obviate much of the current conflict between science and religion, while providing at the same time a basis for valuation that is better suited for coordinating all human experience.

Genres: Science, Physics, Philosophy, Nonfiction

214 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 1990

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense. A difficult read. Nevertheless, a thorough exploration of Bell's Theorem and non-local duality phenomenon.

I'm not as convinced of his conflation of that feature of the universe into substantive circumstantial evidence for consciousness. I say this despite the fact it is my own, personally-held intuitive conviction. For, as I'm sure Menas was entirely too aware, the fluidity of meaning that attends philosophical semantics renders difficult any substantive conclusion ostensibly anchored in logical analysis.

The capacity of the universe to manifest non-locality at the quantum level certainly creates an ideal topology for some kind of consciousness to reside and perpetuate. However, capacity and ideal topology by themselves are insufficient to equate convincing evidence.

Personally, this is frustrating, for it 'seems' that it 'should' be sufficient. However, my own personal, subjective experience of the universe I am participating in and with, cannot, by necessity, suffice to meet the rigorous demand of scientific proof my fellow humans should require.

This is the point, where, for lack of a better metaphor, it appears personal faith must be each individual's saving grace.

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, some very new (to me) ideas I had not previously considered.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readability 3. Rating 4. Subtitled “Part and whole in modern physical theory”. Although the book has a fairly lucid discussion of quantum theory, a long consideration of the implications of complementarity, and introduced me to the concept of non-locality (although it is not entirely clear to me that this is an accepted scientific reality) it seems to be almost as much a work of philosophy or even religion as it is a work of science. On the one hand, it points out that there is much that it seems we cannot know, even in principle, about the universe. On the other hand, it extrapolates many of the concepts and facts covered in the early part of the book and concludes that the universe is, in some fashion, “conscious”. They try to stress that this should not be taken in an anthropomorphic sense, but if that is the case, the profundity with which they approached the issue is lost on me - it seems that they are merely very reassured by a universal “connectedness” that they feel is a the upshot of recent advances in quantum theory. To me, even if this is true, it seems to be largely an interesting curiosity. Then again, maybe I am just not clear about the ramifications.

[Steve Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent starting place for an understanding of how well modern physics supports the theory of Ichinen Sanzen.
Near the conclusion we find (yes, this quotes Edwin Schroedinger, an originator of quantum theory)
The essential truth revealed by science that the religious imagination should now begin to explore with the intent of enhancing its ethical dimensions was described by Schrodinger as follows: Hence this life of yours which you are living is not merely a piece of the entire existence, but is, in a certain sense, the whole; only this whole is not so constituted that it can be surveyed in one single glance."

Menas Kafatos;Robert Nadeau. The Conscious Universe: Parts and Wholes in Physical Reality (Kindle Locations 2168-2171). Kindle Edition.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The particle physics surrounding the Bell-Einstien debate is so well explained and examined , that the concept demands constant thought and reflection. Just the sentence structure is so complicated and yet so well written that the brilliance of the argument becomes attached to the "delivery" of the message.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The full time of this book is The conscious Universe: Part and Whole in Modern Physical Theory This book is hard to fine. It was published in 1990 by Springer

Great explanation for the BEll Theorem, ie. chaper three. Pg. 61

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Metaphysical topics, trying to combine science and religion

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it. Then we'll discuss my opinion because it's all just perspective in the end!