In a conversation with Jeffrey Mishlove, Nobel laureate physicist Brian Josephson discusses the integration of mind and matter, a subject at the heart of his research. Josephson, who won the Nobel Prize for his prediction of supercurrents through a tunnel barrier, now explores intelligent processes in nature and their connection to foundational physics. His work challenges the view that physics is complete without considering the role of the mind, which is intrinsically part of reality.
Josephson touches on the historical interest of quantum mechanics’ founders in consciousness and Eastern mysticism, contrasting it with the materialistic direction physics has taken since then. He highlights the importance of incorporating the observer’s role in physics, referencing the concept of nonlocality where particles interact beyond the speed of light’s limitations, suggesting a deeper connection in the fabric of reality.
Delving into the properties of matter, Josephson considers how matter might exhibit mental-like activity. He cites John Wheeler’s ideas on observation shaping reality and discusses his interest in biosemiotics, the study of communication and sign processes in biological systems. He also explores the potential intelligence of water molecules, as demonstrated in the field of cymatics, where water responds to acoustic waves in seemingly intelligent ways.
Josephson’s inquiry extends to geometric patterns and their inherent meaning, suggesting that even simple shapes like circles and triangles can hold significant information. He reflects on the nature of music and its transcendental qualities, hinting at a subtle level of reality that influences our observations, much like the ideas proposed by physicist David Bohm.
Finally, Josephson shares his interest in parapsychology and the challenges faced due to skepticism in the scientific community. He relates quantum mechanics to parapsychological phenomena like telepathy and psychokinesis, suggesting that if physics were to incorporate these elements, it might lead to a significant paradigm shift, akin to the transition from classical to quantum physics.
Key Takeaways:
- Nobel laureate physicist Brian Josephson’s research explores the intersection of consciousness and foundational physics, suggesting that a complete physics must account for the mind.
- Josephson’s work includes studies on the intelligent behavior of natural systems and the potential for non-physical structures to retain memory, influencing the field of homeopathy.
- The concept of biosemiotics is integral to Josephson’s investigations, examining how biological and possibly other physical systems, like water, exhibit properties akin to semiotic scaffolding.
“Physics is incomplete if it doesn’t have a picture of mind because mind is obviously a very integral part of reality. The founders of quantum mechanics all seem to have a very deep interest in the nature of consciousness and they were also to some degree students of Eastern mysticism.”
References:
- New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove (YouTube Channel)
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