14 Responding to the Mysterious Universe

Contemporary physics theory is fascinating, productive, often useful, and sometimes truly mysterious, speculative, and often not applicable to the physical universe. In the face of such mystery and the unknown, we ought of adopt humility and open-mindedness.

 

In this episode we will explore a variety of the limits of physics theory, and propose an open, humble approach to understanding our perspective and our place in the universe. We consider the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Schrodinger’s cat, and indeterminacy. These principles apply to physics as well as human society. The indeterminacy and uncertainty of fundamental quantum physics is evidence that we should be cautious in making scientific predictions about human agency. We proceed to discuss black holes, event horizons, and singularities, which further demonstrate the mysterious unknown nature of the universe. Then we consider the anthropic principle, which suggests that the universe has a fundamental order and possible evidence of purpose. Strangely, the anthropic principle has given rise to the speculative multiverse, an idea whose anti-human foundation we strongly critique. Finally, we discuss the mass-energy contributions of dark matter, dark energy and visible matter to argue for humility in describing a universe that is 95% dark, unmeasurable, and unknowable.

 

In the end, you are the one who needs to choose. I think physics gives us plenty of evidence that the entire visible universe is shaped by binding, connecting, forming complex structure, and building life — all of the way from quarks and electrons to atoms to stars to planets to bacteria to complex plants and animals to humans in networks of intelligent consciousness. And I think there is space for you to choose to build a meaningful life in that physical universe. There is also ample room for spirit, whatever that may be, and much, much more.