EnergyEnergyA Physicist’s ViewA Physicist’s View

Vic StengerVic Stenger

Substance DualitySubstance Duality

Most people believe that the universe is made Most people believe that the universe is made of two kinds of stuff:of two kinds of stuff:

1. Matter 1. Matter Body Body

ParticlesParticles

Discreteness, reductionismDiscreteness, reductionism

2. "Energy" 2. "Energy" Mind, Spirit, Soul,Vital Force Mind, Spirit, Soul,Vital Force

Electromagnetic/ bioenergetic Electromagnetic/ bioenergetic fieldsfields

Continuity, holismContinuity, holism

Assumptions of Alternative Assumptions of Alternative MedicineMedicine

Living things possess a special, cosmic energy field, which Living things possess a special, cosmic energy field, which I will call the I will call the bioenergetic field. bioenergetic field. Qi?Qi?

Pure energy is a biophysical substance Pure energy is a biophysical substance separate from separate from matter,matter, and indeed supersedes matter.and indeed supersedes matter.

Electromagnetic fieldsElectromagnetic fields are examples of "pure energy" are examples of "pure energy" and are identified with the bioenergetic field.and are identified with the bioenergetic field.

NewtonianNewtonian mechanistic, reductionistmechanistic, reductionist physicsphysics has been has been shown to be shown to be wrongwrong by modern physics. by modern physics.

Quantum physicsQuantum physics shows that the universe is one shows that the universe is one interconnected whole of which human consciousness is a interconnected whole of which human consciousness is a part, thus allowing the mind to control reality.part, thus allowing the mind to control reality.

Bioenergetic MedicineBioenergetic Medicine

"The principles of energy medicine originate in "The principles of energy medicine originate in quantum physics. Bioenergetic medicine is the quantum physics. Bioenergetic medicine is the study of human and animal bodies as dynamic study of human and animal bodies as dynamic electromagnetic fields existing in an electromagnetic fields existing in an electromagnetic environment."electromagnetic environment."

"Based on Einstein's theories of quantum physics, "Based on Einstein's theories of quantum physics, these energetic concepts are being integrated into these energetic concepts are being integrated into medicine for a comprehensive approach to disease medicine for a comprehensive approach to disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.”diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.”

Joan StafantosJoan Stafantos

The History of EnergyThe History of Energy From Greek From Greek energeiaenergeia meaning “activity.” meaning “activity.”

Not part of original Newtonian mechanics.Not part of original Newtonian mechanics.

Introduced into physics by Helmholtz in 1847.Introduced into physics by Helmholtz in 1847.

Conservation of EnergyConservation of Energy

The The total energytotal energy of an isolated system does not of an isolated system does not change with time.change with time.

This is the This is the defining propertydefining property of energy. of energy.

Types of EnergyTypes of Energy

Example: Falling BodyExample: Falling Body

Kinetic EnergyKinetic Energy

EEK K = = mvmv22/2/2

Potential EnergyPotential Energy

EEP P = = mghmgh

Rest EnergyRest Energy

EER R = = mcmc22

h

m

v

ClassicalClassical PhysicsPhysicsPicture prior to 20th Century:Picture prior to 20th Century:

EnergyEnergy and and mattermatter were separate and distinct were separate and distinct substances. substances.

Although appearing continuous to the naked eye, Although appearing continuous to the naked eye, matter was composed of discrete, localized matter was composed of discrete, localized atoms.atoms.

LightLight was a form of was a form of electromagnetic wave,electromagnetic wave, the the vibration of a continuous cosmic field, the vibration of a continuous cosmic field, the aether,aether, and regarded as a form of and regarded as a form of "pure energy.""pure energy."

GravityGravity was a continuous action-at-a-distance field. was a continuous action-at-a-distance field.

Modern PhysicsModern PhysicsCurrent picture:Current picture:

Energy and matter are the Energy and matter are the same stuff: same stuff:

E = mcE = mc22

The The discretediscrete nature of matter is confirmed. Energy is also nature of matter is confirmed. Energy is also discrete.discrete.

There is There is no evidenceno evidence for an aether or any other continuous for an aether or any other continuous medium in universe. Light is composed of particulate medium in universe. Light is composed of particulate matter: matter: photons.photons. Fields are composed of discrete particles Fields are composed of discrete particles ("quanta").("quanta").

General relativity explains General relativity explains gravitygravity in terms of the in terms of the curvature curvature of spaceof space rather than as a force field.rather than as a force field.

Molecules

Matter

Atoms

Nuclei and Electrons

Quarks

Protons and Neutrons

The Standard Model of The Standard Model of MatterMatter

Three generations ofThree generations of quarksquarks and and leptonsleptons

u c tu c t d s b d s b

eeee

plus plus antiparticles.antiparticles.

Familiar matter : Familiar matter : u, d, eu, d, e

proton = proton = uuduud neutron = neutron = uddudd

The Standard Model of The Standard Model of Forces Forces

Forces result from the exchange of particles:Forces result from the exchange of particles:

ElectromagnetismElectromagnetism photonphoton

Strong nuclear Strong nuclear gluons (8)gluons (8)

Weak nuclear Weak nuclear weak bosons (4)weak bosons (4)

(No quantum theory of gravity as yet)(No quantum theory of gravity as yet)

While these force particles are described by quantum While these force particles are described by quantum fields in the theory, fields in the theory, no continuous medium,no continuous medium, like the like the aether, is involved.aether, is involved.

The CosmosThe Cosmos

Mass BudgetMass Budget

RadiationRadiation 0.005 %0.005 %

Ordinary visible matterOrdinary visible matter0.5 %0.5 %

Ordinary nonluminous matterOrdinary nonluminous matter3.5 %3.5 %

Exotic dark matterExotic dark matter26 %26 %

Even more exotic dark “energy”Even more exotic dark “energy”70 %70 %

Nature of Nature of dark matterdark matter and and dark energydark energy still unknown. still unknown.

But But notnot “immaterial” since “immaterial” since carry mass.carry mass.

Life and MindLife and Mind

All living organisms are composed of the All living organisms are composed of the same same quarks and electronsquarks and electrons as compose a rock or a as compose a rock or a river.river.

They are acted on by the They are acted on by the same forces.same forces.

There is There is no evidenceno evidence for special vital or psychic for special vital or psychic fundamental substances or forces.fundamental substances or forces.

Properties of MatterProperties of Matter

There is There is no evidenceno evidence for any special fields or for any special fields or radiation associated with living organisms.radiation associated with living organisms.

No basis exists for assuming that life and mind No basis exists for assuming that life and mind are anything other than are anything other than emergent propertiesemergent properties of of matter--not derivable from equations of matter--not derivable from equations of particle physics but consistent with them.particle physics but consistent with them.

Brain imaging and other neuroscience provide Brain imaging and other neuroscience provide strong evidence for strong evidence for localized, materiallocalized, material sources sources of thoughts and emotions.of thoughts and emotions.

The Unconscious QuantumThe Unconscious Quantum

Quantum mechanics is said to provide a basis for a Quantum mechanics is said to provide a basis for a mind-mind-mattermatter connection.connection.

This notion arises from the fact that the act of observation This notion arises from the fact that the act of observation interferes with what is being observed: interferes with what is being observed: Heisenberg Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.Uncertainty Principle.

The claim is that reality is determined by The claim is that reality is determined by consciousness.consciousness.

But mind and consciousness are But mind and consciousness are not independent of matter.not independent of matter. The brain is wired to body, but not to other bodies.The brain is wired to body, but not to other bodies.

Nothing in quantum phenomena requires the introduction Nothing in quantum phenomena requires the introduction ofof non-materialnon-material oror holisticholistic elements.elements.

Has modern physics shown Has modern physics shown that classical, reductionist that classical, reductionist

physics is "wrong?"physics is "wrong?" No!No!

Most physics taught in classrooms is still Most physics taught in classrooms is still classical physics.classical physics.

Modern physics is built on a base of classical Modern physics is built on a base of classical physics. Still physics. Still materialistic and reductionist materialistic and reductionist – – including quantum mechanics.including quantum mechanics.

Modern technology and medicine still Modern technology and medicine still rely rely heavilyheavily on classical physics.on classical physics.

What Constitutes Evidence?What Constitutes Evidence?

Any claim that implies the overthrow of well-established Any claim that implies the overthrow of well-established scientific principles has an scientific principles has an extraordinaryextraordinary burden of proof. burden of proof.

Since so much rubbish is out there, the only rational and Since so much rubbish is out there, the only rational and practical policy is to practical policy is to ignore such claimsignore such claims until until extraordinary evidence is presented.extraordinary evidence is presented.

Anecdotal evidenceAnecdotal evidence is ordinary. People can be tricked or is ordinary. People can be tricked or self-deluded. The self-deluded. The placebo effectplacebo effect is powerful and difficult is powerful and difficult to eliminate even in the best controlled experiments.to eliminate even in the best controlled experiments.

A single experiment, even peer-reviewed, is never enough. A single experiment, even peer-reviewed, is never enough. Multiple independent replications Multiple independent replications are essential.are essential.

Ordinary ClaimsOrdinary ClaimsThat, if true, would violate That, if true, would violate nono established established

science:science:

Some Some herbsherbs may have some medical benefits. may have some medical benefits.

AcupunctureAcupuncture may relieve pain by stimulating brain may relieve pain by stimulating brain chemicals.chemicals.

RelaxationRelaxation or meditation may have some medical benefits. or meditation may have some medical benefits.

MassageMassage may aid in healing. may aid in healing.

A patient's state of A patient's state of mindmind can affect his or her health. can affect his or her health.

Treating the Treating the "whole patient""whole patient" may be better than just may be better than just treating his parts.treating his parts.

Extraordinary claimsExtraordinary claimsThat, if true, That, if true, wouldwould violate well-established violate well-established

science:science:

HomeopathicHomeopathic remedies can have any effect at all--other remedies can have any effect at all--other than placebo.than placebo.

Meditation tunes you into the Meditation tunes you into the cosmic fieldcosmic field of mind.of mind.

Mind can Mind can overcomeovercome established physical laws. established physical laws.

You can improve a person's health by manipulating You can improve a person's health by manipulating her her vital energiesvital energies with acupuncture or therapeutic with acupuncture or therapeutic touch.touch.

Published ReportsPublished Reports Numerous media reports refer to published papers Numerous media reports refer to published papers

"scientifically verifying""scientifically verifying" the healing powers of prayer and the healing powers of prayer and other forms of "spiritual" or "psychic" therapies.other forms of "spiritual" or "psychic" therapies.

Not one is statistically significant!Not one is statistically significant!

Many Many pp = 1/20 = 1/20 effects in physics have effects in physics have failed to be failed to be confirmed.confirmed.

The publication criterion in physics isThe publication criterion in physics is pp = 1/10,000. = 1/10,000.

This threshold should be used for an This threshold should be used for an extraordinary extraordinary claim claim (as defined) in all branches of science. Ordinary claims, (as defined) in all branches of science. Ordinary claims, consistent with existing science, can be published with consistent with existing science, can be published with weaker significance. But even weaker significance. But even pp = 1/20 = 1/20 is far too low.is far too low.

Scientific Study of QiScientific Study of QiMeasurements made in Beijing in 1987 during Measurements made in Beijing in 1987 during

healing lectures of Dr. Yan Xin.healing lectures of Dr. Yan Xin.

Yan Xin et al, Journal of Scientific Exploration 18 (2002):381-411.

Positive signals:Positive signals:

Radiation dosimetersRadiation dosimeters

Changes in Raman spectrum in aqueous solutionsChanges in Raman spectrum in aqueous solutions

Alternations in half-life of Alternations in half-life of 241241AmAm

Thermoluminescence Dosimeters:Thermoluminescence Dosimeters:

77LiF(Mg,Ti) sensitive to LiF(Mg,Ti) sensitive to gamma-raysgamma-rays 66LiF(Mg, Ti) sensitive to LiF(Mg, Ti) sensitive to neutrons and gamma-raysneutrons and gamma-rays

Results of Qi ExperimentResults of Qi Experiment

Distance measurements during 11-hour lecture.Distance measurements during 11-hour lecture.

___ Energy Conservation: 1/r2

• “Gamma-ray”data

“Neutron”data

Conclusions on Qi Conclusions on Qi ExperimentExperiment Radiation intensities very high. Would be Radiation intensities very high. Would be harmfulharmful if if

extended over long times.extended over long times.

Dosimeters are designed for longer term exposures and Dosimeters are designed for longer term exposures and have about 10 mR detection limit. Reported results have about 10 mR detection limit. Reported results near near lower limit.lower limit. Could be measurement errors. Could be measurement errors. No error No error estimates given.estimates given.

No resultsNo results presented for distance experiment presented for distance experiment controlcontrol with with Dr. Yan absent.Dr. Yan absent.

No reported No reported replicationreplication in years between 1987 and 2002. in years between 1987 and 2002.

Qi does not show Qi does not show fall off with distancefall off with distance expected from expected from energy conservation. Defining property of energy.energy conservation. Defining property of energy.

Analogy with PsiAnalogy with Psi Scientific searches for Scientific searches for psychic energypsychic energy (psi) over 150 years (psi) over 150 years

have failed. have failed.

1930s. Einstein told J.B. Rhine he would not believe in psi 1930s. Einstein told J.B. Rhine he would not believe in psi unless he saw unless he saw “distance effect.”“distance effect.”

Rhine could find Rhine could find nono distance effect. distance effect.

Psi does not show Psi does not show fall off with distancefall off with distance expected from expected from energy conservation. Defining property of energy.energy conservation. Defining property of energy.

NeitherNeither psi nor qi appear to be forms of energy. psi nor qi appear to be forms of energy.

Both psi and qi appear to be Both psi and qi appear to be nonexistent.nonexistent.

SummarySummary Energy therapiesEnergy therapies are based on the ancient notion that are based on the ancient notion that

living matter possesses some special living matter possesses some special vital forcevital force or energy or energy that is separate from matter.that is separate from matter.

Today this energy is mistakenly associated with Today this energy is mistakenly associated with electromagnetic or quantum electromagnetic or quantum fields.fields.

No evidenceNo evidence for any special vital forces, energies, or for any special vital forces, energies, or fields has ever been found.fields has ever been found.

Modern physics has shown that energy and matter are Modern physics has shown that energy and matter are the the same thing.same thing.

Modern physics has shown that Modern physics has shown that no continuous fields no continuous fields exist.exist. Quantum fields are composed of particles. Quantum fields are composed of particles.

Summary (continued)Summary (continued) Modern particle physics has a theory of matter and forces Modern particle physics has a theory of matter and forces

that successfully describes that successfully describes all current observations.all current observations.

Living matterLiving matter is composed of the same particles acted on by is composed of the same particles acted on by the same forces.the same forces.

Quantum mechanics provides no basis for Quantum mechanics provides no basis for paranormalparanormal or or holisticholistic claims. claims.

Modern physics remains totally Modern physics remains totally materialisticmaterialistic and and reductionistreductionist..

Reports of extraordinary claims should not be published Reports of extraordinary claims should not be published unless theunless the evidence is extraordinary. evidence is extraordinary.

Qi and psi do Qi and psi do notnot have defining property of energy. have defining property of energy.

Victor J. StengerVictor J. Stenger

vstenger@mindspring.com

http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/