INDICATIONS OF INTERCONNECTEDNESS EMERGING FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DOMAIN OF MODERN SCIENCE

 

Note: All posts are interconnected, so you are requested to read the previous posts before reading this post. 

Implications of the Theory of Relativity regarding Interconnectedness

The perception of interconnectedness in the scientific domain can be traced to the theory of relativity given by the well-known scientist Albert Einstein during the 20^th century. The theory of relativity provided a serious jolt to some of the fundamental tenets of the mechanistic worldview propagated in the 17^th century. The worldview considered the world as a collection of independent entities situated outside of each other in different ‘regions’ and ‘space’, working under various external forces. In this way, the dimensions – region and space – were considered independent. It implies that everything appears the same to everyone else in the cosmos, regardless of their position or velocity. Thus, two observers traveling in opposite directions would observe identical events unfolding. This can be thought of as a large machine where various parts are working under some external factors.

Einstein’s theory of relativity brought a revolutionary change in perception about space and time.  According to this theory, both space and time are relative concepts. Whereas Einstein believed that objects move according to distortion in space, while the distinction between space and time depends on the frame of reference. He proposed a ‘relativistic’ framework to understand the movements of various objects in the cosmos. In such a framework, time and space are interdependently, interconnectedly, and inseparably connected,  and form a four-dimensional continuum called ‘space-time’. It implies that we cannot leave ‘space’ while talking about ‘time’ and vice-versa.  Both Mikowski and Einstein evolved the integrated perspective of space and time in which "space by itself and time by itself are . .. mere shadows and only a sort of union of the two will preserve an independent reality. It implies that just as it makes no sense in our everyday life to ask for the real length of somebody’s shadows, it makes no sense to ask for ‘the real size of the object’ .

He proposed a ‘unified field theory ’ which means there is the widespread existence of various interconnected fields that move as a ‘whole ’ through ‘space’. According to the theory, the whole universe including all ‘particles’, human beings, their laboratories, observing instruments, etc. is a single undivided whole where fundamental characteristics of an individual object cannot be understood.

Einstein, commenting in the context of the interconnected nature of our Universe, said;

“A human being is a part of a whole, called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest. . . a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty”.