AntiMatters, Vol 1, No 1 (2007) Home About Log In Register Search Current Archives Book Store Home > Vol 1, No 1 (2007) > Mohrhoff
Particles, Consciousness, Volition: A Vedantic Vision
Ulrich J Mohrhoff
Abstract
This essay puts forward a theory of existence that takes its cue from both contemporary physics and Indian Vedanta. The quantum statistics of indistinguishable particles strongly suggests that the “ultimate” constituents of matter, considered out of relation to each other, are identical in the strong sense of numerical identity. This makes it possible to identify each fundamental particle with the vedantic brahman, which relates to the world in a threefold manner: as a substance constituting it (sat), as a consciousness containing it (chit), and as an infinite quality/delight expressing and experiencing itself in finite forms and movements (ānanda). The fundamental identity of sat with chit makes it possible to understand how anything material can exist for anything material. The fundamental identity of sat with ānanda holds the clue to the free will conundrum. A discussion of a series of vedantically possible worlds solves these problems by showing how they arise and how they become hard. An examination of our place in the vedantic scheme of things at this particular juncture of the drama of evolution is followed by a speculation about the drama’s dénouement. Full Text: PDF
Particles, Consciousness, Volition: A Vedantic Vision
Ulrich J Mohrhoff
Abstract
This essay puts forward a theory of existence that takes its cue from both contemporary physics and Indian Vedanta. The quantum statistics of indistinguishable particles strongly suggests that the “ultimate” constituents of matter, considered out of relation to each other, are identical in the strong sense of numerical identity. This makes it possible to identify each fundamental particle with the vedantic brahman, which relates to the world in a threefold manner: as a substance constituting it (sat), as a consciousness containing it (chit), and as an infinite quality/delight expressing and experiencing itself in finite forms and movements (ānanda). The fundamental identity of sat with chit makes it possible to understand how anything material can exist for anything material. The fundamental identity of sat with ānanda holds the clue to the free will conundrum. A discussion of a series of vedantically possible worlds solves these problems by showing how they arise and how they become hard. An examination of our place in the vedantic scheme of things at this particular juncture of the drama of evolution is followed by a speculation about the drama’s dénouement. Full Text: PDF
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