by Louis Mathe
As a result, these relationships enhanced the basic nature of these parameters, our realizationthatthey are basic, and our confidence in that they represent aspects of reality - not only in theKantian sense - but ultimately.
However, Science as it might be represented by perhaps the majority of scientists, does not always claim that the set of parameters used is complete and entirely adequate for an ever deeper under- standing of the universe. Moreover, generally no claim is made for the physical universe to be a comprehensive determinant of ultimate reality.
If so, the question may be raised; In what direction and in what manner could the scope of human awareness be expanded?
The scientific method is the only proven way to obtain facts - and nothing but the facts. However, the application of the scientific method does not lead to the possession of all the facts. Therefore, a cementing together of known facts into a best fit does not result in an overall cosmological fact, nor in a picture of existence, nor in ultimate reality. The result is only a model possessing a degree of plausibility.
The present thesis proposes to increase plausibility by the inclusion of an already known parameter whose role in the world of phenomena is recognized, but whose status as one of the basic parameters has not been duly considered. This, the 'missing' parameter, can most incisively designated by the word 'complexity'. Complexity in the present context means the sum total of properties an entity possesses and the degree to which these properties are organized and act concertedly within the entity.
If complexity is to be included into the set of basic parameters it is required that
- complexity be related to the other parameters in a functional manner comparable to those which have been established between space, time, energy, and matter.
- complexity be measurable in a manner compare to that used by the scientific method.
- the enlarged inventory of parameters be conducive to answering questions about ultimate reality and meaning more incisively than either Science or Theology do now.
If it were feasible to take a census of the number of entities and plot these numbers against their respective complexity and repeat this process for a very large part of the universe the resulting picture would show considerable scatter but the densest regions would connect into a curve qualitatively resembling a y = 1/x type of hyperbola. [x = abundance; y=complexity]. The basis of expectation is the notion that if more and more conditions have to be satisfied for the development of entities of higher and higher complexity the probability of their existence would be less and less.
The scientific method would demand the 'amputation' of the asymptotes of the function so plotted. Here, however, the following extensions are contemplated.
Moving up the vertical asymptote, the existence of entities more complex than humans is considered. Our awareness of them, for the time being, is comparable to the awareness ants have of the transatlantic jetliners - for instance. Throughout the universe the density of entities of higher order is less - without encountering an upper limit in principle. Intuitively, the existence of an entity of absolute knowledge and absolute awareness appears to be unique; furthermore, it appears to be infinitely unlikely. However, the later notion is wrong - as we shall argue in conection with complexity versus time.
Moving along the horizontal asymptote [abundance] the existence of entities less complex than elementary particles is contemplated. The difficulty of search in this direction is indicated by the increasing intensity of energy [and the increasing cost of hardware] required to study the basic nature of matter. The search is likely to point toward infinite energy density and, in so far as time and energy are conjugate variables, toward infinite time.
An ultimate census of the 'life span' of entities and a plot of these against their respective complexity would show considerable scatter but, as before, the densest regions would connect into a curve [x = time, y = complexity, also, x pointing toward infinite duration, y pointing toward infinite change-content - these being complementary aspects of time].
Simple entities interact simply; on the horizontal asymptote the total sum of new changes is low, and the rate of all evolutionary changes is slow. As the emergence of new properties manifested by new relations between existing elements, complexity is compounded. On the vertical asymptote the complexity of interactions and, with it, the rate of change grows. Integration takes place with greater and greater entities, increasingly 'efficiently'. Hence, the process is accelerated towards and culminates in infinite complexity.
Transformation returns into itself but the term 'cycle' is not applicable because that term means oscillation between finite limits [here there are no finite limits] and because that term means being in a certain state at a certain time [here all states are manifested at all times].
Thus, the universe is in a steady state in so far as entities of all degrees of complexity are manifested eternally. Nevertheless, the universe is in evolution in so far as the resultant of all changes flows eternally from the infinitely simple to the infinitely complex. At this stage the infinitely complex entity, consuming itself, generates the infinitely simple and, through a vast process of integration [to be described`shortly] generates itself. Thus, EXISTENCE is its own cause and own effect. Also, EXISTENCE is ONE THING manifested as a continuum.
The underlying 'driving force' in transformation is a process of integration which can be imagined by the following thought-model.
Assume that two point-like entities exist in isolation and that they attract each other. Presumably they would start moving and accelerating toward each other until they met. But suppose they are prevented from moving and from decreasing their distance. In this case they could increase their diameter, attenuating themselves in the process, and penetrate each other - with their center's still fixed. After a while they would overlap so much that the original distance between their centers would seem to diminish and the ratio of non-common to common volumes would shrink below any set value with growing radii. One could conclude that these two have met without approaching.
Let us assume now that, instead of a pair, the whole space is filled with point-like entities which mutually attract each other. In this case the previously assumed fixity, which may have appeared as an arbitrarily imposed condition, now becomes a matter of fact, since now every point is pulled in all directions and, therefore, has no reason to move at all.
A hypothetical point-like observer anywhere in this domain would presumably conclude that his location is 'expanding towards' a shell or a limitless series of concentric shells each contributing to the all around attraction. The observer would be faced in every direction with a gradient - not unlike the irresistible gravitational field of a black hole. An observer anywhere in this domain would be surrounded by a 'black shell.'
The essence of existence is transformation of energy. Energy state at the infinite simple is analogous to potential energy. This stage is entirely homogeneous - energy is absolutely organized. The original potential energy gradually changes into energy which is analogous to kinetic energy, manifested by an accelerating process of integration. Energy state at the infinitely complex is entirely kinetic and absolutely organized. The overall process is a continuous loss and replacement of one kind of organization for another. This is corollary to the thesis that COMPLEXITY IS A BASIC PARAMETER.
The present thesis satisfies two complementary and decisive criteria. These are;`
1 - The criterion of complete decentralization of the human position.
A view of the UNIVERSE/EXISTENCE in which no observer has privileged position-in- principle in any respect, is the most plausible one. According to this view, humans have no unique
situation in space, nor in time, nor in degree of complexity and development. This view completes
the historical development of decentralization which, in western thought, belatedly gained momentum since Copernicus.
2 - The criterion of ultimate knowability and attainability.
A view of the UNIVERSE/EXISTENCE which is free from any arbitrary barrier-in-principle to knowledge through experience, observation, and test, is the one worth following with investigation. According to this view EXISTENCE is a continuous and universal process, therefore, all knowledge is available in principle everywhere, at all times.
The present thesis satisfies these two criteria by a six-dimensional space-time-energy-complexity pattern and process which is open and limitless, yet which can be readily comprehended by making use of our capability for 'directional' knowledge which complements the 'territorial' knowledge of science.
Against this frame emerging from large scale pattern recognition, our current observations appear to be markers and milestones.