Is There a Connection between Human Freedom and Modern Physics - Literature review Example

 Physics as related to Dancing with Maya Introduction: Dr. Wilhelm’s ideas and words are still inscribed in my heart, establishing that connection which exists between human freedom and physics. The clear line connecting Reality, Actuality, and Truth has given me the important opportunity to change my mind completely about the relevance of Physics in ideas of human freedom. I thought it would be so boring and difficult, but I have found it challenging through the search and the knowledge for the unknown and unsolved space science and mysteries as well as the mystic Dancing with Maya. Some of the notable ideas that have established this connection of human freedom and physics have to do with ego, the chaos theory and Hegel’s dialectics. Ego, reality and freedom: As pointed out by Wilhelm, ego plays a very important role in establishing a distinction between reality and what is perceived by an individual as reality (Wilhelm 323). Reality comprises certain facts as they exist in the universe or the environment surrounding an individual, however the manner in which the individual perceives such “facts” will be colored by the automatic interpretation that takes place in the individual’s mind through the thought process. This is where the ego plays a significant role, because the extent to which existing facts are colored in an individual’s mind will be determined by the extent of ego. Hence the fact as it exists in an individual’s mind is not the actual truth but an illusionary “fact” distorted by the ego – in other words, a fact overtaken by Maya and therefore closer to illusion than actual reality. The desires of the ego for a secure reality superimpose themselves on actual facts in order to maintain an illusory reality which may not in fact, be true and therefore results in an individual living in a prison of his own illusory reality. This is not unlike concepts in modern physics that describe the manner in which optical illusions can produce a deceptive reality, often resulting in a “virtual” reality that is not strictly true but bears the appearance of truth (Wilson, 2006). In reality however, it is merely an illusory state that is produced in an individual’s mind. For example, individuals can now interact with each other from miles across the globe but connected in an illusory electronic visual environment where they appear to be together through the use of optical illusions (Engineer, 2006). In medical rehabilitation, virtual reality mock ups of exercise have been used with stroke patients, and this is achieved by employing hardware and software in such a manner that an optical illusion makes the patients feel that real balls are being tossed at them.(Houtsma et al, 2006). The latest development in amusement parks is the Robo-coaster, a chassis mounted robotic ride that provides an illusory impression of being in a flight situation.(Mahoney, 2006).Abbott and Okamura (2005) have discussed the “virtual wall” which is the building block used in haptic environments. They state that a haptic display is acted upon by two forces – an actuator and an external user, with just one sensor being used – an optical encoder that can create or dispel the illusion of reality that is provided to the human user. Therefore, the encoder control the degree of illusory effect that is produced through the balance between the two forces that is created by the decoder. In a similar manner, the ego may be seen to function as the decoder that dictates the reality as it will be perceived by an individual. The degree to which the ego desires security will translate into “an insatiable need for acclaim and support” (Wilhelm 323), which in turn could lead to ego generated clashes with actual reality as opposed to the perceived or “virtual” ego-generated reality. Therefore, the degree of true freedom an individual experiences will be conditioned upon the extent to which he has conquered his ego, in order to be able to perceive reality in its actual form rather than in its virtual ego generated avatar. Hegel’s dialectics and freedom: According to Wilhelm, modern society should be based upon the foundation of individual freedom and the right of every individual to freedom and happiness. However, according to Hegel, the “mutually influencing and driving of uncertain forces of individuals and societies does not stop.” (Wilhelm 44). However, the theoretical underpinnings of Communist theory are also derived from Hegelian dialectic, wherein it is the State that has “the supreme right against the individual, whose supreme duty is to be a member of the State….for the right of the world spirit is above all special privileges,”(Hegel, 1959). In striving to attain that balance between human freedom dictated by the preponderance of individual rights vis a vis keeping “ the raw and chaotic forces of the human “animal” under control ” (Wilhelm 44) the Hegelian dialectic moves humanity into a circular path of action where every ideology must be defended by taking a definite position for or against it. This is true in every aspect of our lives, for example, even TV programs that are supposedly Christian adopt one ideology or the other, mapping out a particular agenda, while true freedom may be attained only by thinking independently, outside the cycle of dialectic madness. (Raapana and Friedrich, 2002). The use of logic underlies all dialectic thought, while Hegelian logic moves through the stages of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. As a result, while logic may dictate a simple method whereby established truths are combined in specific ways to arrive at certain conclusions, Hegelian dialecticism postulates that two conflicting ideas may combine together through synthesis to form something very different, which in turn can move on to blend with another different notion. The concept of individual freedoms being the foundation of a State is the core principle in the capitalistic system of Government while an individual is subservient to the State under the Communist State. However the Hegelian dialectic pits these opposite forces together and mandates the generation of a new concept through synthesis, which is manifested in the new globalization. Through the application of the Hegelian dialectic, an infinite number of new ideas may be generated. However, in the real world, this may not hold true – for example, in the matter of energy. Applying the laws of physics to the conservation of energy, it may be noted that energy itself is stable and quantified, energy may convert itself into various forms or transform from one form to the other, however the law of conservation of energy states that no new energies are created, they are merely transformed and regenerated. The circle of Hegelian dialectic therefore lends itself to the conclusion that no matter how many new ideas are generated, there is ultimately, one cycle within which they must rotate, although the forms may change constantly. Therefore, the choice of whether or not to adopt the freedom of the individual or the authority of the State is something that can be modified and transformed in new ways and in new combinations – however, the underlying premises and ideas will be more or less the same. In order to generate true freedom, it is necessary to step out of the circle of “Maya” or illusory notion of freedom and examine fresh and independent ways to ensure true freedom. Freedom and chaos theory: There is a natural conflict that is presented between true freedom and the maintenance of order in the Universe, which requires a degree of control. However the chaos theory tries to find underlying patterns of order in disordered patterns of the Universe. A small disturbance could bring about a catastrophic change, as stated by Stewart (1989) who describes how the “flapping of a single butterfly’s wing” can lead to a significant diversion in what the atmosphere actually does as opposed to what it would have done. However, James Gleick (1987) describes how Edward Lorenz who first discovered the phenomenon of small disturbances bringing about significant weather changes, was able to break down the patterns in order to discover an ordered pattern below the surface – a double spiral which was always the outcome. Therefore, while applying this principle to freedom, it may be noted that as Wilhelm states, “an idea can take many different forms in a reality and yet be a true expression of the same idea.” (Wilhelm 45). Therefore, despite all the differences in apparent reality that are generated by the human mind, the basic fact of the matter is that a standard outcome exists and there is in fact, one underlying reality that is immutable and unchangeable and all other forms of reality are merely varying forms. Possibly, through small disturbances caused by the ego of the individual, the apparent reality that will be perceived may be very different from the actual reality, however truth itself is a steady and stable aspect. Therefore all forms of perceived reality are merely illusions, if true freedom must exist in society and for an individual, it must be based upon certain immutable truths that exist in the Universe, such as the dignity of the individual and the need to balance this freedom with the constraints of living in society to achieve that optimum state of law and order. References: * Abbott, Jake J and Okamura, Allison M, 2005. “The effects of position quantization and sampling rate on virtual wall passivity.” IEEE Transactions on Robotics, 21(5): 952-64 * Gleick, James, 1987. “Chaos – making a new science.” Penguin. * Hegel, George, 1959. “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.” at pp 144 * Houtsma, J.A., Houten, F J A M Van, 2006. “Virtual reality and a haptic master slave set up in post stroke upper limb rehabilitation” Proceedings of the Institution of mechanical Engineers, part H, Journal of Engineering in medicine, 220 (H6): 715-18 * Mahoney, Patrick, 2006. “Roller coasters go robotic.” Machine Design, 78(4): 56-9 * Raapana, Niki and Nordica, Friedrich, 2005. “What is the Hegelian dialectic? * “Seeing is Believing” (2006) The Engineer, London. Volume 293, Aug 7-20, 2006, pp 10 * Stewart, Ian, 1989. “Does God play dice?” IN “The Mathematics of Chaos” Penguin Books: pp 141 * Wilson, R (2006) “Does virtualization drive the future?” EDN, 51(20): 124-136 * Wilhelm, Fritz, “Dancing with Maya” pp 44-46, 323-327, Read More