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American Journal of Physics

Eastern mysticism and the alleged parallels with physics

Eric R. Scerri

Published Aug 1, 1989• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The claims for parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism are critically examined in view of their possible educational impact. The overall nature, as well as specific examples of parallelism, are considered in order to emphasize the problems faced in trying to maintain the validity of such claims. The role of analogies within physics is briefly discussed.

DOI
10.1119/1.15921

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The claims for parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism are critically examined in view of their possible educational impact. The overall nature, as well as specific examples of parallelism, are considered in order to emphasize the problems faced in trying to maintain the validity of such claims. The role of analogies within physics is briefly discussed.
Quantum physics and relativity are the two pillars of modern physics. Often in this context, the word “modern” is misused as an antonym of “classical.” The abstract and mathematical nature of both quantum and relativity theories makes them easy target for abuse in the hands of the purveyors of mysticism. We shall see some detailed examples of the abuse of quantum theory in Chapter 35. It will be shown there how New Age authors misrepresent quantum physics to their readers and use some twisted interpretation of the theory to advocate a parallel between quantum physics and Eastern mysticism.
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Abstract Most current educational presentations of quantum physics still propose the same difficulties that emerged in the early twentieth century, often as a mean to engage students. Those difficulties emerged among physicists mostly because the lack of a suitable meaning of what “reality” has to be considered. Instead of engaging students, those difficulties leave them confused because they lack the awareness of what a physical theory is and its relationship with the experiments. We will discuss this problem, both from the epistemological and the educational point of view and give indications to provide an increasingly solid foundation for the educational reconstructions of quantum physics starting from classical physics that must be reconsidered in view of the final objective rather than opposing it to modern physics.
Here is the book that brought the mystical implications of subatomic physics to popular consciousness for the very first time--way back in 1975. This special edition celebrates the thirty-fifth anniversary of this early Shambhala best seller that has gone on to become a classic. It includes a new preface by the author, in which he reflects on the further discoveries and developments that have occurred in the years since the book's original publication. Physicists do not need mysticism, Dr. Capra says, and mystics do not need physics, but humanity needs both. It's a message of timeless importance.