G. B. CÔTÉ
space-time is finite and discontinuous; it is subject to gravity; it
follows the rules of general relativity and evolves constantly.
The hybrid realm of quantum physics forms a virtual bridge
between the other two modes: it consists of abstract probability
functions that include space-time variables.
There are relentless exchanges between the three modes of
existence. We already saw above that abstractness contributes a
constant flow of particles to the virtual mode of existence.
(These particles can be interpreted as minute subsets of infinity.
Since abstractness does not plan anything, their production is
necessarily random and inevitable.) We also know that quantum
particles combine to form concrete objects. Interestingly, the
relation between the virtual and concrete modes of existence is
not limited to the subatomic level. For instance, migrating birds
seem to respond to the effects of the earth’s magnetic field on the
entangled electrons in molecules at the back of their eyes
(Gauger et al., 2011), and quantum energy transfer is used in
photosynthesis (Engel et al., 2007) at ambient temperature
(Collini et al., 2010). Quantum particles return to abstractness
when they get annihilated with their antiparticles; concrete stars
produce astronomical amounts of quantum particles; abstract
principles and the laws of physics determine the evolution of
concrete entities (such as galaxies and living animals), and
concrete people definitely have access to abstractness. In brief,
there are bidirectional exchanges between all three modes of
existence.
On the theoretical side, Hawking (1974) made the important
suggestion that concrete black holes could gradually lose their
mass and eventually vanish completely due to quantum effects
near their event horizons. From the point of view of the three
modes of existence, such black hole evaporation is a return of
space-time to abstractness or, to use a different but equivalent
wording, a return of concrete matter to abstract information. This
interpretation is in keeping with the increasingly supported view
in contemporary physics that the entire universe can be ex-
plained in terms of information, that information is never lost
and is mathematically related to energy (S = −Σpi log pi) (Seife,
2006; Umpleby, 2007; Vedral, 2010; Gleick, 2011), just as
energy is mathematically related to concrete space-time (E =
mc2). In other words, studying the inter-relationship between
abstractness, virtuality and concrete space-time is just another
way of looking at the known physical equivalence of informa-
tion, energy and mass.
In conclusion, the three modes of existence can be academi-
cally studied by both philosophers and physicists, all three
modes are real and interconnected, and all three are ontologi-
cally essential for the Universe to exist.
Triple-Aspect Monism
This world view has a direct impact on the famous mind-body
problem. Having defined three interrelated modes of existence,
we can no longer speak of two exclusive essences, like Plato and
Descartes did. In fact, the concept of dualism has gradually lost
most of its appeal among present-day philosophers, psycholo-
gists and neuroscientists who mainly support the idea of a
dual-aspect monism (Pereira et al., 2010) and perceive mind and
matter as two interdependent aspects of a single essence. Given
the conclusions reached above in this article, we must further
expand the notion of monism to include all three modes of ex-
istence into a triple-aspect monism.
This expanded framework has profound implications for
physics and philosophy. For example, it enhances the reality of
abstractness and timelessness, and will necessarily lead to the
formulation of updated definitions of mind and body, with sig-
nificant repercussions in science, philosophy, theology, religion
and ethics.
Conclusion
The analysis of abstractness presented in this paper reveals the
reality of three interconnected modes of existence: abstract,
virtual and concrete. It clarifies the ontological status of sub-
atomic quantum particles, it provides a non-spooky solution to
the weirdness of quantum physics, and it presents a different
outlook on existence and on the mind-body problem. It also
sends a clear message of co-operation to physicists and phi-
losophers who deal with ontological problems.
Acknowledgements
The constructive criticism and the encouragement of Prof.
Lucien Pelletier of the Department of Philosophy, University of
Sudbury (Ontario) are gratefully acknowledged.
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