in lieu of a post...

I was too busy writing a paper assignment for my physics class this morning to write anything, so instead of posting an entry, I present to you the final paper for Modern Physics...
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Quantum Weirdness and Mysticism

Much has been said about the apparent parallels between some of the stranger phenomena of quantum mechanics and various Eastern or New-Age belief systems. Rather than just continue to dismiss these ideas out of hand (which is my knee-jerk tendency) I thought I’d actually let you all poke around a bit and see what you can learn about these interpretations, and maybe decide for yourselves if and how they go astray.

I have provided you with two readings - one from a book called “The Tao of Physics”, and a study guide for the movie “What the *Bleep* Do We Know” published by the Institute of Noetic Sciences. (A visit to their website will give you some idea what their angle is!) But these should just be the starting point. You might actually sit down and watch a movie like “What the Bleep...” or an older film called “Mindwalk”. You might flip through some books like “Quantum Healing” by Deepak Chopra. And who knows what you’ll find on the web.

Basically I’m looking for a short (4-5 page) paper exploring the following kinds of ideas...

* What specific quantum mechanical ideas do some people interpret has having “mystical” or “spiritual” significance?

* Conversely...what kinds mental or spiritual or “parapsychological” phenomena do some people seek a “quantum” explanation for. (It’s not all just the crazies... some of these people are reputable physicists.)

* Based on what we’ve learned in class about QM and the behavior of matter on the quantum level, do you think there is any justification for these connections?

* Are you swayed by any of these mystical or spiritual arguments? Do any of them seem to be “onto something”? (As opposed to on something!) Do you catch anyone making any incorrect or misleading statements about QM? Do you catch anyone making some more subtle errors.

* Do you think these kinds of discussions are scientific, or are they something else? If they aren’t scientific... where and why does the discussion STOP being scientific?

* Can you find any quotes from “real” scientists that either support or refute these sorts of interpretations of quantum physics?

Keep in mind, that you’re allowed to agree with some of these ideas if you’re so inclined. Nobody is going to fail this paper for being a Buddhist or believing in ESP. The issue is specifically - are there real parallels and connections between quantum physics and notions of spiritualism and consciousness, and what are the arguments either way.

It should be pointed out that besides exploring an interesting and fun topic, this paper is also serving the role of an assessment of your understanding of quantum mechanics. So, in part this is an “opinion” paper, but whenever you talk about wave-particle duality or non-locality or probability - you’d better make sure to explain these ideas in such a way that it’s clear to me you know what you’re talking about!

(4+ pages, single spaced, >2500 words, with supporting quotes and multiple cited sources)

Sounds fun... right? I love bizarre assignments.