All things being equal, it is apparently demonstrated that through the act of observing the "objectively" dual nature of wave versus particle somehow collapses a probabilistic "superposed" state. Any attempt to supply a rigorous description of consciousness compatible with the mathematical language of physics is facilely derided as "mysticism." And for the most part, I would agree with that characterization. While Kurt Goedel’s devastating demonstration of the utter folly of regarding symbolic logic as capable of representing even arithmetic completely, let alone all other aspects of reality was extremely useful, I’m afraid his attempt at a sort of symbolic theodicy via logic is a failure hoisted by his own petard. Because Cantor’s series of transfinite numbers is only completed in the absolutely infinite or what Cusanos described as the non other (non aliud), it would seem that arguing for an approach which would condition consciousness within the bounds of the transfinites must be disallowed as a metaphysical encroachment on “pure physics.” However, the growing importance of characterizing self ordering phenomena as central to many facets of present day scientific investigation under the rubric of “fractal” dimensionalities opens the door to the broader issue of self reflexive modalities.
Permit me, dear reader, to introduce an item here to illustrate this principal more concretely from the standpoint of a seemingly simple stratum of biota. The macrophage is from all reasonable experimental perspectives capable of continuously evolving in order to “outflank” the potential defenses of its host. This in an extreme sort of way evinces a “power” inherent in a conatus or striving of all orders of recognizable biological existence. But what of the ordering principle (or transfinite ordinal power) of the conscious mind that is capable of recognizing the seemingly preternatural ability of this species of living organism to evolve? What power shall we assign to that very same consciousness that can perform such an order of operation of reflective re cognition of this very same biotic power? Is it not immediately self evident that it were absurd not to advance the acceptance that the order of such a noetic consciousness is in a very well defined sense on another non arbitrary higher level of transfinite? And further, does this not permit us to view the concept of power from the standpoint of conative substance as not merely a sterile set theoretical category, but rather as the integument which inexorably leads us to affirm a principle of living orderings which proceeds to an encompassing power of conscious and creatively powerful thought or noesis?
Eratosthenes first measured the circumference of the earth from the shadows cast by the sun. Today, humanity's fitness to survive will be measured by our ability to conquer that same thermonuclear fusion that casts those shadows. Thus, Prometheus will truly be unbound.
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Paradox of Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and Metamathematics
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