The Continuing Relevance of Leibnizian Science

Leibniz stringently demonstrated a physical geometric basis for harmonic action across the domains of universal reality. The qualitative differences among these were defined as associated with lower and higher monads. 

A very recent brilliant study on sound wave propagation through a fermionic "perfect fluid" illustrates the remarkable foresight of Leibniz' enduring contribution to scientific methodology. The state of this lab created fluid was achieved by creating a condition where all individual fermions operate as strongly interacting lithium-6 atoms of extremely low viscosity. Such man made systems are models for extreme anomalous naturally occuring exotic conditions such as neutron stars. This type of research includes Bose Einstein condensates and superconducting materials.

The connection to Leibniz is just this: at the level of harmonic interaction of individual monads there are higher monads, the highest being the indivisible human "soul," and lower monads. A system of such monads that resonates harmonically, Leibniz characterized as a pre-established ordering. Thus evidence of a universal lawfulness that must partake of a continuing process of unfolding or becoming toward more, not less, perfection concomitant with the ongoing progress of human economic interaction with nature.

This harmony extends to all realms of physical reality. Indeed in the referenced experiment, the fermionic monads are among the very lowest order possible to the extent that they almost have totally lost their individual differences. This is what gives them their near quantum frictionless fluidity. The ability to create a resonance of soundwaves in this laboratory created gas is a technological achievement in the footsteps of Leibnizian science that will allow humanity to further progress.

Credit: Christine Daniloff, MIT