Re: [Phys-l] Reality versus models of realty

["D.V.N. Sarma" <dvnsarma@gmail.com>]

Before we can go forward we must have a clear idea of what we mean
by the word "reality". Then only we can think of any tests for it.

Something that is producing in me the sense
impressions which constitute my concept of the world is the reality.

I do not know what reality is beyond my sense impressions of it.
Different people, different animals have different sets of of sense data
and hence different concepts about what is causing these impressions.
Perhaps the only common characteristics are (1) it exists and (2) it can
cause impressions in the senses.

We extend this definition of reality to inferred entities like electrons,
protons,
quarks, quanta, mesons etc. Inference is based on causality. Causality is
being
mauled by QM which envisages multiple outcomes for the same cause.
Further the line between the observer and the observed is being obliterated.
The observation is produced by the observer. Where does this leave
the concept of reality?

What do the list members think about the reality?

regards,
Sarma.

On Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 9:53 AM, Jack Uretsky <jlu@hep.anl.gov> wrote:

> What experiment could test your definition of reality?  Using your
> definition, can you describe an experiment that tests whether or not Mars
> is real?
>                        Regards,
>                                Jack
>
> "Trust me.  I have a lot of experience at this."
>                General Custer's unremembered message to his men,
>                just before leading them into the Little Big Horn Valley
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, 17 Dec 2010, D.V.N. Sarma wrote:
>
> > On Thu, Dec 16, 2010 at 7:08 AM, ludwik kowalski <
> > kowalskil@mail.montclair.edu> wrote:
> >
> > > I would say that real is what would exist if all humans disappeared.
> > > Planets, for example, are real.
> > > Ludwik
> > > =========
> > Who knows what would be there?
> > Right now we are not sure of the nature of the world around us.
> > Our knowledge of the world is through the filters of our senses.
> > Thus we do not know what actually is out there.
> > QM is  reaching the conclusion reality does not exist when
> > we are not observing it.
> > Very close to the advaitic school "by looking we create the world".
> > If you remove observer(s), the question of existence of reality
> > in their absence, becomes unverifiable and meaningless.
> >
> > regards,
> > Sarma.
> >
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