Jul 19, 2024 08:36 PM
(This post was last modified: Jul 19, 2024 08:36 PM by C C.)
https://iai.tv/articles/the-universe-is-..._auid=2020
INTRO: Physicists simplify the universe by studying closed systems. However, philosopher of physics Karim Thébault argues that embracing the openness of physical systems can lead to a better understanding of the world. Join Karim as he outlines this exciting new research program, focusing on the possibility that open quantum systems provide a more fundamental understanding of the world, as opposed to closed systems.
EXCERPT: . . . Our project brings together physicists and philosophers who are sceptical of these presuppositions. We think open quantum systems could be fundamental and much fruitful work can be done in exploring the open systems world view. Our project is motivated by three interrelated arguments.
We have pointed out that the basis of quantum theory’s empirical success lies in the way that it effectively describes the dynamics of open rather than closed systems. And that, moreover, the fundamental equations of open quantum systems can be derived in the framework of a general quantum theory of open systems under which open systems are ontologically fundamental.
We have also shown that in the context of classical cosmology it is possible to re-describe the universe itself as an open system by recognising the fact that the universe has no fundamental scale and promoting this observation to a symmetry.
In this framework, the universe can change shape but not size, and what was hitherto understood as expansion is re-described as a form of friction. What is more, describing the universe as an open classical system without absolute scale may also have the additional benefit of allowing us to continue its evolution through the big bang singularity... (MORE - missing details)
INTRO: Physicists simplify the universe by studying closed systems. However, philosopher of physics Karim Thébault argues that embracing the openness of physical systems can lead to a better understanding of the world. Join Karim as he outlines this exciting new research program, focusing on the possibility that open quantum systems provide a more fundamental understanding of the world, as opposed to closed systems.
EXCERPT: . . . Our project brings together physicists and philosophers who are sceptical of these presuppositions. We think open quantum systems could be fundamental and much fruitful work can be done in exploring the open systems world view. Our project is motivated by three interrelated arguments.
We have pointed out that the basis of quantum theory’s empirical success lies in the way that it effectively describes the dynamics of open rather than closed systems. And that, moreover, the fundamental equations of open quantum systems can be derived in the framework of a general quantum theory of open systems under which open systems are ontologically fundamental.
We have also shown that in the context of classical cosmology it is possible to re-describe the universe itself as an open system by recognising the fact that the universe has no fundamental scale and promoting this observation to a symmetry.
In this framework, the universe can change shape but not size, and what was hitherto understood as expansion is re-described as a form of friction. What is more, describing the universe as an open classical system without absolute scale may also have the additional benefit of allowing us to continue its evolution through the big bang singularity... (MORE - missing details)
