Customer Reviews

The Quantum Tai Chi (Gauge Theory: The Dance Of Mind Over Matter)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author spends 148 of 188 pages in an overambitious attempt to describe the body of knowledge in particle physics into a non-mathematical snynopsis of the current thought in theoretical physics. The attempt is fragmented and strewn with analogies to Tai-Chi and "gauge," the terms are poorly and differentially defined according to the author's needs. That is , the definitions are neither internally consistent throughout the text, nor readily understandable. Although my interest was sustained through the explanations of various theorems, very little was done to convince the reader that the theorems are only superficially related to Taoism or other Buddhist thoughts. The author goes awry starting on page 149, with a pseudo-scientific theory of brain activity, neuronal actions and consciousness without reference to anything known in Neurobiology other than "microtubules." He coninues with an analysis of Jungian psychology, in which he believes, but the majority of academic psychiatrists & psychologists still scorn. The reader is frustrated after carefully reading a great deal of physics only to be led on to the last quarter of the book, which contains nothing more than unsubstantiated claims, insights and pure delusion. Skip it and read the "Tao of Physics" for a more intelligent and academic look for the paralells between eastern philosphy and theoretical physics.

It is a great pleasure to read Dr. Philip Petersen's book "The Quantum Tai Chi" which explains the mystery of quantum physics and its connection with consciousness. It is a joy to see such a difficult subject so well explained with many common analogies. Nobody has ever done as much as Dr.Petersen to place Quantum theory within the grasp of common man. He uses his unequaled gifts to explain -understandable problems and makes them easily graspable. This smooth flowing, highly readable book is for everyone interested in Quantum Physics. It provides an intellectually stimulating, provocative, and gripping explanation of the subject with incontrovertible evidence. Petersen has taken the most complex victuals and made it a delicious desert. It is written with far-sightedness, imagination, thought and inspiration to make everyone think. To read it is to be engaged in a cerebral tennis contest.

This book does two important things. 1) It demonstrates the mathematical plausibility of the metaphysical principle that each individual creates their universe. This is derived from a new interpretation of quantum theory which is based solely on the nature of superconductivity theory and Pearle's interpretation of quantum theory. If as Philip Pearle, physicist, has suggested, the quantum gauge angle may be chosen randomly to collapse the wave function, then superconductivity suggests how that is accomplished--without adding to the quantum theory as it stands. This implies that a field of gauge angles exists in consciousness--this is the 'field of infinite possibilities' as described by Depak Chopra. We then, in principle are free to choose among them. 2) It also suggests that a theory of karmic cycles may be built upon Quantum Gauge Theory. This mathematical theory is based on a gauge potential cyclic in time. This is the Quantum Tai Chi proposal.

For these reasons the book presents a significant but radical advance in understanding human consciousness and how it relates to Quantum Theory.

Yeah well sure... now I get it...maybe...sort of...OK now I'm just reeaally confused. I tried for three weeks to get into this book but it just wouldn't let me. There are tantalizing bits that seem really interesting but they just don't pan out. The tai chi connection is just silly.
Look elsewhere for info on physics and learn about tai chi from a teacher not a book.

If you practise Tai Chi Quan , you will know how it relate to gauge theory.

I have not completely read this title, nor do I think that I ever will. If you have an extra clothespin Dr. Author, I could use it on my nose! Extremely piecemeal without an inkling as to how Everything can be accounted for in one equation. It's about time one of you physicists encapsulates the whole of creation from a Top-Down perspective so we too can understand the essence of Unitary Covariance.