(no subject)

[novapsyche]

How do you think the universe operates?

Comments

[tay-en-pointe.livejournal.com]

chaos, flux, and crises subjectified.

[o-lucky-man.livejournal.com]

All sales are "as-is".

[dionysus1999.livejournal.com]

Some kind of rorschach type question?

Otherwise, I can recommend that physics book I just read, Warped Passages, by Lisa Randall for the most up to date theories.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I'm asking for your specific opinion.

[sarahmichigan.livejournal.com]

I'm not even sure that's a question that makes sense. Or maybe it's too big to give a one-sentence answer. Generally, it operates by the laws of physics. Probably not what you were looking for, though.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

Well, some people believe in karma. Some people believe in reincarnation. Some people believe in astrology. Some people put all their stock in subatomic particles. I'm just curious.

[matt-arnold.livejournal.com]

The physical universe is a self-contained, closed system. Nothing can affect the quarks and electrons of our non-supernatural universe, unless it's part of it or a product of it. It's a knowable place of cause and effect. Matter and energy, time and space, are known to exist. It is fruitless to "explain" the known in terms of the unknown.

Justice is not some kind of cosmic inevitability, in the form of karma or reincarnation or heaven and hell or anything else. Only humans care about morality and justice, and we have to make it happen or it won't happen.

[akaiyume.livejournal.com]

Justice is not some kind of cosmic inevitability

What about the idea that "culture" (information in general) is an energy pattern subject to thermodynamics?

Sorry. I just think it is a mistake to think of humanity and our ideas as being outside of physics.

[matt-arnold.livejournal.com]

What's the problem? Humanity and our ideas arise from biological systems, subject to physics. But whatever patterns arise in it are not automatically guaranteeing that people get what they deserve. We have to do that intentionally. If we leave it up to so-called "energy patterns" or other highfalutin gobbledy gook to do it for us, it won't happen. Even worse is when believers in Karma and Reincarnation act to make sure disadvantaged people stay disadvantaged because that's what their "karma" or "reincarnation" or "god's will" has decreed that they deserve. It reinforces a cruel and rigid class hierarchy. It's far more compassionate to say that when bad things happen to people, it's not because a wise "god" or "karma" decreed it; it's a horrible accident and should be fixed by compassionate humans. Sufferers will not be rewarded in heaven-- we must love them here on earth.

[akaiyume.livejournal.com]

Problem? Maybe communication issues or passing the same point while coming from different sides or different understandings.

What you are describing is treating "energy patterns" as a "god" and divorcing it from the way physics (as I understand it anyway - who knows how on or off that is) works. I mean strict cause and effect where one thing leads to another one thing, etc is invalid outside of a lab. If we are dealing with the universe as a system (and earth as a subsystem on down) then on some aboslute if not readily obvious level the idea that "whatever you do to another you do to yourself" is true. And "doing" isn't just active - it includes inactivity and all decisions made as part of existance. There is no leaving it up to anything when everything we do and are contributes (along with everything else) to way the universe will unfold.

[fountaingirl.livejournal.com]

Perfectly well, in its own fashion, despite our small-scale concerns and wishful philosophies.

[pgdudda.livejournal.com]

I like this one! Much more succinct and less emotionally-fraught than what I was going to post. Thank you! :-)

[fountaingirl.livejournal.com]

You are most welcome!

[akaiyume.livejournal.com]

By the underlying principles which give rise to our paltry explanations known as laws of physics?

[quility.livejournal.com]

I'm starting to pin this down a little bit more for myself.

I think I believe that this is the mystery. This incredible life that we only understand the tiniest bit of - is the mystery.

I'm starting to accept that my energy and intentions can affect this world - but I don't think there is anything super-natural about this. We just don't understand it.


I thought I had more to say than that. But I guess this is where I am.

[xiombarg.livejournal.com]

In as confusing a fashion as possible.