HUMAN SIGNIFICANCE

IN THE UNIVERSE

James A. Putnam

Ó 1995-2007

NEW PHYSICS THEORY

PART I (30 pgs) PART II (24 pgs) PART III (37 pgs) PART IV (42 pgs)

Duplicate website: http://newphysicstheory.com

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Physics, Life and Intelligence Essays

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INTRODUCTION

This new theory is almost completely different from current theoretical physics. The theory's development includes a new definition of electric charge. This new definition has an effect that reaches into all areas of physics theory. It helps toward achieving unity at the fundamental level. This approach has led to redefining the fundamentals. The changes are so great that reading ahead will not easily produce understanding. The theory should be read from its beginning.

My approach to introducing the theory is to move step by step away from accepted fundamental theoretical interpretations. I feel it is best to carry along familiar concepts as long as is practical. I think this method reduces the uncomfortable feeling that often accompanies first impressions of radical changes. In addition, this gives me the opportunity to demonstrate it is possible to combine ideas from standard accepted concepts with new ideas that bring sweeping changes.

A benefit gained is the demonstration that even in radical change there still exists a kind of compatibility between opposing theoretical ideas that adhere closely to empirical evidence. The impermanence of theoretical interpretations is made clear when useful equations can be formed from combinations of competing interpretations. I then progressively move away from the inclusion of previous theory. As a result of following this practice, my claim of having achieved unity beginning at the fundamental level is not fully supported until the derivation of the new theory is complete.

I often use the word light to refer to electromagnetism. Light has always had a special relationship to us. We consciously interact with light. It is the only thing visible to us. We instinctively know how to use its information. It keeps us aware of the outside world. Even when its nature was unknown, its use and importance were very well known.

The investigation of electric and magnetic effects went on independent of experiments with light until numerical coincidences began to show up. In 1864 Maxwell predicted that an oscillating current should be a source of electromagnetic waves that would travel at the speed of light. He concluded that light was electromagnetic radiation. So light became a special case of electromagnetism. Even so, the word light remains special to us.

Poets write about light, but not about electromagnetism. So light maintains a favored status. This special status is often taken advantage of in discussions about electromagnetism. It is awkward to write at length and repeat the word electromagnetism over and over. It lends itself to dull reading. The word light remains attractive even when repeated. It substitutes very nicely as a second name for electromagnetism. This is the way in which I use it. Afterwards, visible light is visible light only when it is referred to as visible light.

I refer to theoretical physics as being mechanical. I use this term in a broad sense not limiting it to macroscopic examples of machinery type operations. The mechanical concept I use is one of inanimate, unthinking actions supposedly resulting from one or more of the theoretical, fundamental forces of nature. It is directed by properties whose origins are expected to be traceable to the origin of the universe. It is the material universe as defined by theoretical physics. It is dead and yet is full of useful action. It does not include properties of awareness and intelligent purpose. It is a universe described as being the opposite of intelligent life. It is what causes us to feel isolated, alone and insignificant.

This theory offers new definitions for fundamental properties. These definitions lead to new theoretical interpretations inconsistent with the popular theoretical ideas associated with fundamental physics terminology. For example, electric charge in this new theory is completely different from its common interpretation. Rather than coin new terminology, causing unnecessary difficulty in communication, I borrow the standard names. Therefore, even though electromagnetism in this new theory is completely different from its interpretation in standard theory, it retains the same name. This is an example of a general practice followed throughout the theory's development.

For introductory reading about why physics theory should be challenged, I have included several essays. In some of these essays I challenge the basic weaknesses of theoretical physics. In others I reach for a higher level of interpretation of the operation of the universe. They form a series leading toward a conclusion. Each has a purpose. There is some redundancy in the contents of the essays. I accept this as a necessity, because I want each essay to be sufficient to stand alone as much as possible.

Some of what I include in the essays is taken from the body of the new theory. I wish to provide some relatively easy reading that will help introduce a few important new ideas from the main theory. These ideas are indicated and not developed in the essays. They are used to illuminate weaknesses of theoretical physics. In the essays, I sometimes speak uncritically of ideas from current theoretical physics. My discussions of these ideas do not represent my acceptance of them. My full view of physics theory is made clear in my own theoretical work. The differences are profound. This website begins a new adventure in analyzing the operation of the universe.