TRANSCENDENTAL PHYSICS
AND
THE THEORY
OF INFINITE CONTINUITY
By: EDWARD R. CLOSE, PhD.
Introduction
Theoretical
Basis
Calculus
of Distinctions
THE THEORY OF INFINITE CONTINUITY resolves the paradoxes in and the conflicts between relativity and quantum mechanics by using a specially designed calculus to expose the root of these contradictions. The theory encompasses both relativity and quantum physics as complementary perceptual aspects of the underlying infinitely continuous reality.
EINSTEIN was unable to develop a unified field theory because he refused to consider the possibility of interaction between consciousness and objective physical reality. Quantum physicists have not constructed a unified theory because they see quanta as the ultimate reality--even though they recognize the necessity of observation to complete the picture. Infinite continuity does not suffer from these shortcomings. Based on sound logic, empirical evidence and the assumption of infinite continuity, consciousness is involved and quantum phenomena are the result. Quanta of matter and energy in time and space are abstracted from the underlying infinitely continuous reality by the conscious act of the drawing of distinctions.
The mathematical demonstration and empirical evidence that quantum theory implies a non-objective or non-local reality (Bell's Theorem, 1964, and the Aspect experiment, 1982) have clearly shown the need for a more broadly integrating theory than is currently supplied by quantum theory and relativity. The thesis of this work is that a single assumption, the assumption that reality is infinitely continuous, is all that is required for the basis of such a unifying theory.
Infinite continuity means that there is continuity, relationship, and subtle interaction between physical objects (matter), phenomena (energy, space, time) and consciousness (the observer). Stated another way: reality is one consistent whole; all that exists must be part of that whole and nothing can be apart from or outside of that whole.
From the viewpoint of infinite continuity, the theory of relativity at first seems more elegant than quantum theory. It is based on the universality of the laws of physics. Observations and measurements in any reference frame may be transformed consistently to any other reference frame. Relativity implies continuity while quantum theory seems to deny it. Quantum mechanics appears to be an awkward patch on the fabric of physical science. However, as we proceed with the development and application of the theory of infinite continuity, we come to the understanding that relativity and quantum theory both describe what we perceive, while infinite continuity provides the consistent background from which those perceptions arise.
Observations of high speed and small scale phenomena have led scientists to conclude that the laws of physics are different for the extremes. Infinite continuity suggests that such apparent differences are due to the limitations of the apparatus used for observation and are, therefore, perceptual and interpretative rather than existential. On the surface, phenomena manifest and react in quantum fashion, but at a deeper level they are all connected. In short, reality is infinitely continuous but manifests in wave (continuous) and particle (discrete) forms through the apparatus of our perception. When reality is understood to be existentially continuous and perceptually discrete, the spirit of classical physics and relativity is preserved and reconciled with the science of quantum physics.
The unification of relativity and quantum physics is achieved by developing an understanding of the interaction between consciousness, phenomena and matter, i.e., the process of drawing distinctions. The consciousness of distinction is the beginning of all perception. In order to investigate this process and the validity of the basic assumption, a new tool is required based upon the conceptual unification of the observer and the observed as interacting parts of an infinitely continuous reality (negating absolute separation). The "calculus of distinctions", as developed in this book, provides a powerful logical tool that is well-suited for examination of theories and hypotheses in an infinitely continuous reality.
The idea of infinite continuity may seem naive at first, but the key to understanding how such a simple principle can underlie the apparent complexity of the universe is found in the processes involved in the drawing of distinctions. An effective model, one capable of describing all the features of the physical universe as well as the role of consciousness, is developed using the calculus of distinctions. This model provides straightforward explanations for the appearance of complex physical forms and forces in the universe.
Infinite continuity implies a universe consisting of an infinite expanse of unmanifest reality in which mass-energy, time-space objects and events appear as the results of the drawing of distinctions. Relativity and quantum physics are integrated into one logically consistent system by removing the limiting assumption of the absolute separation of consciousness and phenomena of classical physics and applying the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics to all physical phenomena, especially light.
Conflicts within and paradoxes between theories indicate the very real need for re-evaluation of the existing paradigm. Observations that have occasioned conflict and paradox in current theories, previously unexplained phenomena, and recent experimental observations are re-examined in light of the assumption of infinite continuity. Clues to the role of consciousness in natural phenomena are identified as the existing paradoxes are analyzed and resolved. Applications of the theory also produce a new understanding of the origin and propagation of electromagnetic radiation and suggest the existence of a space-time continuum of at least six dimensions.
The theory of infinite continuity describes more of the reality we observe with fewer basic assumptions. It explains and resolves conflicts and contradictions in existing theories. It provides a new understanding of the origin and propagation of electromagnetic radiation and explains the appearance of the constants h and c. It predicts the existence of a three-dimensional time continuum, declares that physical reality and consciousness exist within the same domain, and provides an operative tool--the calculus of distinctions--to explore the nature of their interaction. The theory of infinite continuity establishes the basis for the scientific unification of our understanding of matter, energy, space, time, and consciousness.
To construct a consistent, unified theory of the nature of reality, only one assumption is necessary.
BASIC ASSUMPTION:
Reality is infinitely continuous.
Several consequences follow from the basic assumption of infinite continuity:
A. In an infinitely continuous universe, apparent discontinuities are perceptual in nature.
B. Reality is self-referential since there can be no context outside of the infinitely continuous universe.
C. Existential distinctions must be at least three-dimensional.
D. All distinctions are relative.
Consequence A follows directly from the basic assumption. If the discontinuities we perceive are existential and not perceptual, the basic assumption is violated.
Consequence B is self-evident, but must be recognized since it rules out the existence of absolutely separate universes or domains. If something exists, it cannot be excluded from the infinitely continuous universe.
Consequence C will be demonstrated more fully in the development of the theory, but we may observe here that one- or two-dimensional distinctions lack any extension into the third dimension. Although we may imagine zero-, one- or two-dimensional distinctions, i.e. geometric points, lines and planes, they are conceptual and do not exist as real objects independent of any three-dimensional distinction. Such partial distinctions cannot be existential since non-existence in any dimension violates the assumption of infinite continuity. Therefore, a necessary (but not necessarily sufficient) condition for a distinction to be existential is that it must have at least three dimensions.
Consequence D follows from the assumption of infinity. In an infinitely continuous universe, all finite distinctions must be defined in relation to some primary or referential distinction. Such distinctions are drawn within a perceptual context defined by the conscious entity making them.
The fifth consequence of infinite continuity, stated here as a principle, follows directly from Consequence B.
the principle of consistency:
Infinitely continuous
reality is consistent.
Consistency implies that any logical paradox in a theory reveals a lack of correspondence with reality. It must also be said that because reality is infinite, no finite theory can ever be complete. There may always be valid statements that cannot be proved or disproved in any logical system. This was demonstrated by Kurt Goedel in the incompleteness theorem. Logical paradoxes in the theoretical structure of the current paradigm do not invalidate the theories, but they do indicate that these theories may be improved upon and thus brought into closer correspondence with reality.
Infinite continuity implies that there are no gaps in reality. Apparent gaps are caused by changes in form. An apparent discontinuity is an indication that the phenomenon being observed has passed from an observable form into a form that cannot be detected by available sensing processes (sight, hearing, photography, etc.). No part of reality can be totally separate from any other part. The connection between distant physical objects is not obvious, but certain results of quantum theory, Bell's theorem and the Aspect experiment, indicate that such connections do exist.
Mathematical physics, based upon the assumption of absolute separation of subject and object, contains several unresolved contradictions. In order to resolve these conflicts, we must replace the assumption of absolute separation with infinite continuity and develop a logical symbolic language capable of describing the distinctions perceived within a continuous, self-referential reality.
Our descriptions and understanding of ourselves and the universe are possible only in terms of perceived distinctions. Therefore, it follows that any model of reality, in order to describe and communicate an understanding of the nature of reality, must deal at the most elementary level with the making of distinctions in a self-referential framework.
How do we develop a mathematical language that will allow us to describe and understand an infinitely continuous reality? How will it differ from the mathematical system currently used in scientific analysis? And how will it relate to that system? It must encompass numerical analysis by reflecting the logical processes that exist prior to absolute separation and enumeration: It must be a non-numerical mathematics.
The next section will be devoted primarily to the development of the necessary non-numerical mathematical language. Since it deals with the drawing of distinctions, it is called the calculus of distinctions. The theoretical basis of infinite continuity, outlined briefly in this section, will also be further developed in the course of the development of the calculus.
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