How Hippies Saved Physics is an unconventional approach to quantum theories in physics during the 1970s. This curious group of physicists in Berkeley, California, called themselves the "Fundamental Fysiks Group" to explore fundamental scientific hypotheses.
This new adventure took the group through quantum theories, Bell's Theorem and related explorations integrating the science of physics with Eastern thought and even Uri Geller's demonstrations of physical phenomena through the prism of the mind. Sarfatti argued that quantum mechanics, if properly understood, could explain the psi effects of Uri Geller.
The group is credited with rescuing Bell's Theorem from virtual oblivion. In essence, quantum objects that once interacted have a common link after separation. Bell used the word nonlocality to describe this phenomenon in the universe of matter. Nudge a particle here and its partner dances in the distance.
In effect, distance may not be a critical factor in the interaction of particles. And so, particles must have an identifying characteristic which governs their behavior quite apart from distance. If this is true, there may be implications for instantaneous communication from earth to the edge of the universe. Previously, scientists believed that quantum encrypted communication cannot be tapped without destroying the signal.
Clauser published the first experimental results of Bell's theorem disclosing that the microworld is an entangled nest of nonlocality. This means that the measurement of Particle A more strongly correlates to the measurement of Particle B than any local mechanisms could explain rationally. Greenberger, Horne and Zeilinger clarified Bell's results incrementally by considering correlated states with 3 or more entangled particles.
Later, Henry Stapp focused on spin correlations in proton-proton scattering experiments and later worked on the discovery of the anti-proton which was received well by colleagues globally. In essence, Henry Stapp provided important insights with regard to the correlations at the heart of Bell's Theorem.
How Hippies Saved Physics attempts to tie in Bell's Theorem to psychokinesis, time travel and the Jung world of the unconscious. Does human consciousness continue even after death? Who knows for sure ?
Many psychological concepts were originally proposed by Jung including the Collective Unconscious, the Complex, and synchronicity. A popular psychometric instrument, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), is an outgrowth of Jung's theories as are other inventions.
How Hippies Saved Physics is an unconventional thrust into new areas of physics which remained virtually unexplored previously.
Credits: First Published on Blogcritics
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woopak_the_thrillFebruary 04, 2012
This does sound pretty sweet. Do you think one should have a profound knowledge of physics to like this?
JSMarescaFebruary 04, 2012
A good knowledge of basic philosophy would be helpful. i.e. Plato, Aristotle even Bertrand Russel In addition, a common sense approach to Newton's laws would be helpful.