Classical Physics

Newton's Three Laws and me

Well snooze... Law 1: Every object continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a straight line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it. Law 2: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object, is in the direction of the net force, and is inversely proportional to the mass of the object. Law 3: Whenever one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first.

The study of Physics must start somewhere. As important as these laws are in the historical development of science and, if you will, the evolution of human consciousness separate from religious dogma, these observations now provide little more than a starting point for traditional study. They support rocket science. They remind me that I have an external presence in the world, to look both ways before crossing the street, and during an earthquake to be aware of falling objects. They are "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" while my interests have become more "Upstairs, Downstairs."

Our "Energy Efficient" Culture

Energy efficiency is a relative concept treated, in our culture, as a certain and widely attainable constant that will save us from spoiling our nest. Energy efficiency actually means little more than just a little less... exploiting or wasteful. "Energy efficient cars" is an oxymoron. "Saves energy" is fool's gold. The ideas we have of ourselves personally, collectively, and culturally will have to mutate from top to bottom before any cultural notion of using energy efficiently truly emerges. We may also need an entirely different universe.

Descartes has a lot to answer for!

Cartesian coordinates may have saved Descartes from the inner most rings of Hell. But in providing the basic philosophical framework for what became the duality of mind and body, that great mechanistic schism, he certainly has earned an eternal roasting!