Meridians & Existence

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In a message dated 8/23/2002 3:42:24 PM Central Standard Time, colleen writes:

 

 

Guy,

I was referring to the scientists who would say that electrons don’t

exist, which I now understand is not what you are saying.

Could you elucidate which criteria you are referring to that are

different for measuring electrons? Mass, position, velocity are all used

to measure electrons and these are the same criteria that are used to

measure anything. It’s just that it couldn’t be calculated until

calculus and quantum mechanics came around.

 

If you could get your derriere to look smaller you’d be a millionaire!

 

Colleen

 

 

 

 

Dear Colleen:

 

Thanks for your patience in letting me develop this thought.

 

Measurements of mass, velocity and positions of electrons are derived by mathematical formulas and form experiments where scientists or technologists take measurements from machines. These measurements are not taken directly in the sense that you measure the dimensions of a room or measure the speed of your car with your speedometer.

 

In fact, the math is so complex that the "electron" is actually a construct which makes this formula work.

 

I believe that there are some subatomic particles which did not "exist" before mathematicians developed certain systems and then physicists "found" the particles in the laboratory.

 

Did these particles exist before and did we just figure out how to observe them or are they constructs of our advanced mathematics?

 

I would say that a good and frustrating argument might be made for saying that these subatomic particles, which every schoolboy thinks are "real" are simply mathematical constructs and that they are no more or less real than meridians are.

 

As for the last part of your reply, one of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with people here in St. Louis is the idea that it is better to look well than to be well.

 

Guy Porter

 

DrGRPorter