Sheldon Cooper, lead character of the TV show "Big Bang Theory", is lying in bed, dreaming. Last ... more Sheldon Cooper, lead character of the TV show "Big Bang Theory", is lying in bed, dreaming. Last night he missed his usual meal, and so had to eat an unexpected dinner, a fact which has upset his tummy; and so his dream is troubled. He is dreaming that he is present in a courtroom in which the Theory of Relativity itself is on trial; and that his hero, Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, is in the dock, being cross-examined by counsel for the prosecution: a lawyer who happens by a strange coincidence to look very much like Socrates, or at least looks very similar to the bust of Socrates found in the Vatican museums, which has its photo all over the internet; indeed, the chiton he is wearing in pace of the usual suit-and-tie is a dead giveaway. The trial has already started when Sheldon starts dreaming-or rather, having nightmares-regarding it.
SOCRATES: Professor Feynman, let me remind you once again that you are under oath, and so may not perjure yourself. Or in other words, you must say what you really believe. ...
QUESTIONNAIRE: WILL ELECTRIC ROBOTAXIS MAKE LOTS OF MONEY IN THE LONG RUN?, 2023
Does it seem *more* likely or *less* likely that robotaxis will be able to make lots of money in ... more Does it seem *more* likely or *less* likely that robotaxis will be able to make lots of money in the long run (as opposed, that is, to the comparatively much smaller amount of money they would make simply by displacing ordinary human-driven taxis, which is indeed quite likely to happen)?
Is Anything Material Ever Actually Observed?, 2023
Is anything material ever actually observed? When it is said, "a stone is visible to observation"... more Is anything material ever actually observed? When it is said, "a stone is visible to observation", is it really?
Here is a recently-discovered memo originally penned—with a real quill pen—by the 15th century au... more Here is a recently-discovered memo originally penned—with a real quill pen—by the 15th century author Nickola Macchiavelli, a.k.a. the renaissance artist formally known as Prince (or sometimes as The Prince), and informally known variously as Mac The Knife, Big Mac or Old Nick. The memo, originally addressed to Lorenzo de' Medici, is reproduced here below in an English translation.
THE MASTER Once upon a time there was a Master. The multitudes used to come and hear him speak, o... more THE MASTER Once upon a time there was a Master. The multitudes used to come and hear him speak, out there in the open air, and he would explain the mysteries of existence unto them, using parables. On one occasion he recounted unto them the Parable of the Orange Apple.
DIALOGUE BETWEEN SOCRATES AND JESUS ABOUT THE ETHICS OF LYING, 2020
Socrates and Jesus accidentally meet in the afterlife as they are walking down the streets paved ... more Socrates and Jesus accidentally meet in the afterlife as they are walking down the streets paved with gold: a fact to which they pay no attention whatsoever, of course. Both are absolutely delighted to see one another. SOCRATES Jesus, my good chap! I've been reading a lot about you and admiring you from afar … and here we are, finally together! I have goosebumps. JESUS Socrates, your fame had already spread far and wide long before the day I was born! I have to say, however, that they got it wrong; I wasn't born on Christmas Day-it was closer to springtime, if I remember what my mum told me. Plus I don't like the surname "Christ" which they gave me, it sounds much too pretentious … but never mind, we can talk about that later.
The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends... more The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends to show how, assuming that Quantum mechanics is correct, there is a pressing need to modify the presently-accepted magnitude of the "strong nuclear force". To show this, it is demonstrated that the equations of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), which force the existence of a Zero-Point Field (ZPF) of virtual radiation even in an "absolute" vacuum, are com- plementary to the action of the presently widely-postulated "strong nuclear force". Indeed calculations indicate that it may be possible to do away with the "strong nuclear force" altogether, which may ultimately lead to a "Grand Uni- fication of Forces". (Others, notably Puthoff, Rueda and Haisch, have already shown that the ZPF can account for inertia, which in turn, if General Relativity (GR) is assumed to be correct, and owing to the Principle of equivalence of inertia and gravity whi...
The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends... more The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends to show how, assuming that Quantum mechanics is correct, there is a pressing need to modify the presently-accepted magnitude of the "strong nuclear force". To show this, it is demonstrated that the equations of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), which force the existence of a Zero-Point Field (ZPF) of virtual radiation even in an "absolute" vacuum, are com- plementary to the action of the presently widely-postulated "strong nuclear force". Indeed calculations indicate that it may be possible to do away with the "strong nuclear force" altogether, which may ultimately lead to a "Grand Uni- fication of Forces". (Others, notably Puthoff, Rueda and Haisch, have already shown that the ZPF can account for inertia, which in turn, if General Relativity (GR) is assumed to be correct, and owing to the Principle of equivalence of inertia and gravity which is assumed for formulating GR, forces the conclusion that the ZPF must account for gravity as well.)
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book... more All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book is Shareware, like a lot of computer programs. Shareware works on the "Honour system". You can read my book before you buy it. You can even print it out, and, if you prefer, get the pages bound professionally. But if you like the book, please send me $5.00 (five US dollars), or its equivalent in your own currency. I really don't think that's too much to ask-unless you are nearly destitute right now, in which case you need not send me anything till your "ship comes in".
The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Al... more The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD, considerably better than his ISLAND, considerably better than Orwell's NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, considerably better than Samuel Butler's EREWHON, considerably better than Thomas Moore's EUTOPIA ... but NOT better than the MAHĀBHĀRATA or the RĀMĀYAṆA.
The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Al... more The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD, considerably better than his ISLAND, considerably better than Orwell's NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, considerably better than Samuel Butler's EREWHON, considerably better than Thomas Moore's EUTOPIA ... but NOT better than the MAHĀBHĀRATA or the RĀMĀYAṆA.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book... more All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book is Shareware, like a lot of computer programs. Shareware works on the "Honour system". You can read my book before you buy it. You can even print it out, and, if you prefer, get the pages bound professionally. But if you like the book, please send me $5.00 (five US dollars), or its equivalent in your own currency. I really don't think that's too much to ask-unless you are nearly destitute right now, in which case you need not send me anything till your "ship comes in".
Sheldon Cooper, lead character of the TV show "Big Bang Theory", is lying in bed, dreaming. Last ... more Sheldon Cooper, lead character of the TV show "Big Bang Theory", is lying in bed, dreaming. Last night he missed his usual meal, and so had to eat an unexpected dinner, a fact which has upset his tummy; and so his dream is troubled. He is dreaming that he is present in a courtroom in which the Theory of Relativity itself is on trial; and that his hero, Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, is in the dock, being cross-examined by counsel for the prosecution: a lawyer who happens by a strange coincidence to look very much like Socrates, or at least looks very similar to the bust of Socrates found in the Vatican museums, which has its photo all over the internet; indeed, the chiton he is wearing in pace of the usual suit-and-tie is a dead giveaway. The trial has already started when Sheldon starts dreaming-or rather, having nightmares-regarding it.
SOCRATES: Professor Feynman, let me remind you once again that you are under oath, and so may not perjure yourself. Or in other words, you must say what you really believe. ...
QUESTIONNAIRE: WILL ELECTRIC ROBOTAXIS MAKE LOTS OF MONEY IN THE LONG RUN?, 2023
Does it seem *more* likely or *less* likely that robotaxis will be able to make lots of money in ... more Does it seem *more* likely or *less* likely that robotaxis will be able to make lots of money in the long run (as opposed, that is, to the comparatively much smaller amount of money they would make simply by displacing ordinary human-driven taxis, which is indeed quite likely to happen)?
Is Anything Material Ever Actually Observed?, 2023
Is anything material ever actually observed? When it is said, "a stone is visible to observation"... more Is anything material ever actually observed? When it is said, "a stone is visible to observation", is it really?
Here is a recently-discovered memo originally penned—with a real quill pen—by the 15th century au... more Here is a recently-discovered memo originally penned—with a real quill pen—by the 15th century author Nickola Macchiavelli, a.k.a. the renaissance artist formally known as Prince (or sometimes as The Prince), and informally known variously as Mac The Knife, Big Mac or Old Nick. The memo, originally addressed to Lorenzo de' Medici, is reproduced here below in an English translation.
THE MASTER Once upon a time there was a Master. The multitudes used to come and hear him speak, o... more THE MASTER Once upon a time there was a Master. The multitudes used to come and hear him speak, out there in the open air, and he would explain the mysteries of existence unto them, using parables. On one occasion he recounted unto them the Parable of the Orange Apple.
DIALOGUE BETWEEN SOCRATES AND JESUS ABOUT THE ETHICS OF LYING, 2020
Socrates and Jesus accidentally meet in the afterlife as they are walking down the streets paved ... more Socrates and Jesus accidentally meet in the afterlife as they are walking down the streets paved with gold: a fact to which they pay no attention whatsoever, of course. Both are absolutely delighted to see one another. SOCRATES Jesus, my good chap! I've been reading a lot about you and admiring you from afar … and here we are, finally together! I have goosebumps. JESUS Socrates, your fame had already spread far and wide long before the day I was born! I have to say, however, that they got it wrong; I wasn't born on Christmas Day-it was closer to springtime, if I remember what my mum told me. Plus I don't like the surname "Christ" which they gave me, it sounds much too pretentious … but never mind, we can talk about that later.
The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends... more The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends to show how, assuming that Quantum mechanics is correct, there is a pressing need to modify the presently-accepted magnitude of the "strong nuclear force". To show this, it is demonstrated that the equations of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), which force the existence of a Zero-Point Field (ZPF) of virtual radiation even in an "absolute" vacuum, are com- plementary to the action of the presently widely-postulated "strong nuclear force". Indeed calculations indicate that it may be possible to do away with the "strong nuclear force" altogether, which may ultimately lead to a "Grand Uni- fication of Forces". (Others, notably Puthoff, Rueda and Haisch, have already shown that the ZPF can account for inertia, which in turn, if General Relativity (GR) is assumed to be correct, and owing to the Principle of equivalence of inertia and gravity whi...
The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends... more The present paper, aiming at a paradigm shift in our current view of the laws of physics, intends to show how, assuming that Quantum mechanics is correct, there is a pressing need to modify the presently-accepted magnitude of the "strong nuclear force". To show this, it is demonstrated that the equations of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), which force the existence of a Zero-Point Field (ZPF) of virtual radiation even in an "absolute" vacuum, are com- plementary to the action of the presently widely-postulated "strong nuclear force". Indeed calculations indicate that it may be possible to do away with the "strong nuclear force" altogether, which may ultimately lead to a "Grand Uni- fication of Forces". (Others, notably Puthoff, Rueda and Haisch, have already shown that the ZPF can account for inertia, which in turn, if General Relativity (GR) is assumed to be correct, and owing to the Principle of equivalence of inertia and gravity which is assumed for formulating GR, forces the conclusion that the ZPF must account for gravity as well.)
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book... more All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book is Shareware, like a lot of computer programs. Shareware works on the "Honour system". You can read my book before you buy it. You can even print it out, and, if you prefer, get the pages bound professionally. But if you like the book, please send me $5.00 (five US dollars), or its equivalent in your own currency. I really don't think that's too much to ask-unless you are nearly destitute right now, in which case you need not send me anything till your "ship comes in".
The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Al... more The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD, considerably better than his ISLAND, considerably better than Orwell's NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, considerably better than Samuel Butler's EREWHON, considerably better than Thomas Moore's EUTOPIA ... but NOT better than the MAHĀBHĀRATA or the RĀMĀYAṆA.
The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Al... more The very best philosophical fiction work in the last three millennia. Considerably better than Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD, considerably better than his ISLAND, considerably better than Orwell's NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, considerably better than Samuel Butler's EREWHON, considerably better than Thomas Moore's EUTOPIA ... but NOT better than the MAHĀBHĀRATA or the RĀMĀYAṆA.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book... more All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in any form including electronic. This book is Shareware, like a lot of computer programs. Shareware works on the "Honour system". You can read my book before you buy it. You can even print it out, and, if you prefer, get the pages bound professionally. But if you like the book, please send me $5.00 (five US dollars), or its equivalent in your own currency. I really don't think that's too much to ask-unless you are nearly destitute right now, in which case you need not send me anything till your "ship comes in".
A philosophical work of fiction outlining the deepest philosophies existing around the world toda... more A philosophical work of fiction outlining the deepest philosophies existing around the world today, and introducing some new ones
It is undeniable that history has been falsified time and time again in-well-history. But it is n... more It is undeniable that history has been falsified time and time again in-well-history. But it is not so often realised that this was far more so in the 20th century than in any other period in history, despite the vast amount of documentation that existed, and even exists today, to prove that 20th century history is, well, full of it. Or rather, empty of it: for it has totally, but totally, neglected to mention the most important part of 20th century history: viz., the History of the Clowns. To properly discuss 20th century history, however, it is necessary to discuss at least some of what went on before that period.
1. If something is not true, why should it be relied upon as if it were true (except perhaps prov... more 1. If something is not true, why should it be relied upon as if it were true (except perhaps provisionally, for testing whether it is true or not)?
2. How can it be judged whether something is true or not, except via the process of proving it true beyond all possibility of doubt?
3. If something may be true, but has not yet been proven true, would it be correct say that it is true? (I.e., would it be correct say that it is true as opposed to saying that it may be true?)
4. Is it not better to be honest, and say exactly what is supposed to be meant by any statement that is made, than to not do so?
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SOCRATES: Professor Feynman, let me remind you once again that you are under oath, and so may not perjure yourself. Or in other words, you must say what you really believe. ...
Version 2.0.0.0
Better than BRAVE NEW WORLD, better than NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, better than Samuel Butler’s EREWHON, better than Thomas More’s UTOPIA ...
SOCRATES: Professor Feynman, let me remind you once again that you are under oath, and so may not perjure yourself. Or in other words, you must say what you really believe. ...
Version 2.0.0.0
Better than BRAVE NEW WORLD, better than NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, better than Samuel Butler’s EREWHON, better than Thomas More’s UTOPIA ...
2. How can it be judged whether something is true or not, except via the process of proving it true beyond all possibility of doubt?
3. If something may be true, but has not yet been proven true, would it be correct say that it is true? (I.e., would it be correct say that it is true as opposed to saying that it may be true?)
4. Is it not better to be honest, and say exactly what is supposed to be meant by any statement that is made, than to not do so?