Parts and Wholes...

Scientists note that some events in particle physics do not lend themselves to a definitive cause. Some physicists continue to strive for "local" determinants. Others accept that "non-local" connections exist throughout the whole. Here, it is the dynamics of the whole that influence the probabilities and the actions of the parts. I see this in my own life. Like it, cause I do, I am influenced by the breadth of the environment I find myself in.

The scientific method expounds upon approximate answers yielded by isolated entities. Each building off the next. Yet, given the true scope of what science is trying to grasp, could this be an endless cycle? Could Fritjof Capra be right...

"We believe that while the properties of the parts certainly contribute to our understanding of the whole, at the same time the properties of the parts can only be understood through the dynamics of the whole."

Ancient Chinese observed the cyclic nature of events. The dynamic interplay became a principle characteristic of the Taoist perspective. For them, change was not a consequence of some outside force, but was an innate tendency of the parts and the whole. Though it wouldn't be until a year ago that I could put my finger on it as such, it had always been present within, had been an unknown guide.

The resulting attraction to the Tao Te Ching led me to Fritjof Capra's book, which has been woven into several of the physics posts. Too, Capra has moved on to Deep Ecology, which has been a part of my journey as well, and which I intend to turn back to in the near future. For the curious however, at heart I am a systems nut, having successfully built a career on it. That is likely why you will gather an effort on my part to take disjointed pieces and arrive at some form of context and meaning. Though I am learning that this application at differing scales may be forced. Yet I do see parallels.

With all that, this blog is going to morph. The subtitle "Physics meets Philosophy" has already given way to "Of Parts and Wholes". I hope you stick with me. I enjoy your company.

"The Master views the parts with compassion, because he understands the whole."
- Tao Te Ching