Reality in Physics: A Classroom Discussion Available to Purchase

A classroom dialog form is used for a discussion of the question “What is reality?” It is agreed that a concept of reality which goes beyond immediate experience of phenomena is required. Empirical confirmation of expected properties is proposed as a reality criterion for physics. An allegation of falseness of physicists' reality concepts is made, with assertion of inadequacy for experiences of most people. A partial resolution is found in possible eventual description by a basic physical science. However, individuality among human beings suggests a role for humanists that is irreducible to that of scientists. Although the success of mathematics in physics supports a view that nature is essentially mathematical, the nature of mathematics and its comparative lack of success in some branches of science lead to a contrary position. A further argument is made from quantum physics that the inability of quantum theory to predict individual events argues against a completely mathematical character of physical reality. There is an analogy with individuality in human behavior, even though present-day science gives no information of connection. Mathematical properties are notable for a large domain of natural phenomena, but with apparent barriers to unlimited extension, in favor of fluctuation and diversity.