What physicists think about physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "real" in physics, particularly in relation to a survey of physicists. Participants explore the nature of reality as it pertains to physical phenomena, perception, and the distinction between scientific and nonscientific viewpoints.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the survey results would be more meaningful if only those directly engaged in science participated, highlighting a potential divide between scientists and laypeople.
  • One participant expresses the view that all phenomena discussed in the survey are real, implying a broad interpretation of reality.
  • Another participant notes the omission of color and hallucination from the survey, indicating a personal perspective that these concepts are subjective and depend on individual perception.
  • A later reply argues that colors and hallucinations are real or not based on human perception, while asserting that measurable phenomena are real regardless of perception.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of reality, particularly regarding subjective experiences versus measurable phenomena. There is no consensus on the definitions or implications of "real" in the context of physics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying assumptions about the nature of reality and the role of perception in defining what is considered real in physics. The implications of these assumptions are not fully explored.

Please check the things that are real.

  • The earth

    Votes: 9 75.0%
  • Colors

    Votes: 6 50.0%
  • Wavelength

    Votes: 9 75.0%
  • Hallucinations

    Votes: 6 50.0%
  • Atoms

    Votes: 10 83.3%
  • Excited states of atoms

    Votes: 7 58.3%
  • Mass

    Votes: 9 75.0%
  • Wave-function - state of a system

    Votes: 7 58.3%
  • Electrons

    Votes: 10 83.3%
  • Direction of time

    Votes: 6 50.0%

  • Total voters
    12
  • Poll closed .
Ivan Seeking
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A survey taken among physicists about the concept of "real" in physics is linked and I think most interesting. First, I am posting a similar poll for comparison.

The survey is at the bottom of the linked page:
http://physicsweb.org/article/world/15/4/2/1#2

Note: I will post this in the philosophy section for comparison also.
Please vote in the forum most appropriate to your perspective; but not both.

from Wimms
It would be interesting if here voted only people who are directly engaged in some kind of science. Then comparison between scientists and laymen in this site would be revealed.

I voted in phil forum and suggest nonscientists to do same.

I agree. Thanks Wimms
 
Last edited:
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All of them are real...and many others...
 
I left out color and hallucination. I'm not a physicist anyway.
 
It would be interesting if here voted only people who are directly engaged in some kind of science. Then comparison between scientists and laymen in this site would be revealed.

I voted in phil forum and suggest nonscientists to do same.
 
QUOTE]Originally posted by Dal
I left out color and hallucination. I'm not a physicist anyway. [/QUOTE]

My humble opinion.

Colors and hallucinations depends on people's perception. They are real or not depending on a man/woman perception.

The rest, since it can be measured, the measure is the same in the same conditions, and do not depends on the man's perception, are real.
 

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