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Author Topic:   Precognition Causality Quantum Theory and Mysticism
Straggler
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Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 1 of 2 (530743)
10-14-2009 5:58 PM


Tarot cards. Astrology. Palm reading. Crystal balls. Tea leaves. Sheep's entrails. Alectromancy. Pyromancy. The methods of fortune telling are numerous and in many cases bizarre. However the fortune telling business is thriving and people seem keen to believe in the validity of such practices. But is precognition or divination of any sort consistent with the laws of physics as we understand them to be? Or does causality, arguably the very founding principle upon which all science is based, necessarily preclude such practices?
In his popular science book "The Physics of the Impossible" Michio Kaku classes precognition as a class III impossibility: "Class III impossibilities are feats that clearly violate the known laws of physics. If they do turn out to be possible, they would represent a fundamental shift in our understanding of physics."
This thread is about the physical possibility, or otherwise, of precognition in particular. More widely, and in anticipation of the expected use of quantum theory as a means of justifying claims of paranormal abilities, this thread is also about the use of quantum theory as a catchall justification for various forms of mysticism. I don't see this how this is any different in principle from the god of the gaps position. Take something that is complex and not fully understood and then fill in the gaps we have in our knowledge with whatever unevidenced wishful thinking floats your boat. Throw in some ill understood but technical sounding terminology about "energies", "forces", "fields" or whatever else and let the pseudoscience unravel.
So precognition. A possibility supported by aspects of quantum theory? Or something that requires a complete overturning of the whole of science and which is thus impossible by the laws of physics as we currently know them to be?
If promoted then "Is it science" or maybe the BB cosmology forum as a catchall for physics type stuff might be appropriate.

AdminNosy
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From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Joined: 11-11-2003


Message 2 of 2 (530752)
10-14-2009 6:35 PM


Thread Copied to Is It Science? Forum
Thread copied to the Precognition Causality Quantum Theory and Mysticism thread in the Is It Science? forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.

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