Is Sarfatti's Theory of Backactivity the Key to Understanding Flying Saucers?

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In summary, Jack Sarfatti has proposed a generalization of David Bohm's ontological interpretation of quantum mechanics, introducing the concept of backactivity which could potentially explain phenomena at the mesoscopic and macroscopic scale. This idea has been met with some criticism, but it cannot be considered "bologna" as Bohm's theory is respected in the scientific community. Additionally, Sarfatti's belief in being contacted by a UFO as a teenager may be seen as strange, but until he provides false reports, it cannot be dismissed as "bologna."
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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Here is a link from my database that I have never reviewed. Does this go to the UFO Napster or the Bologna hall of fame?

Introduction
Jack Sarfatti has been exploring a generalisation of David Bohm's ontological interpretation of quantum mechanics, extended so a particle is not just guided by the quantum potential, but, in turn, through backactivity modifies the quantum potential field. Backactivity introduces nonlinearity into the evolution of the wave function, much like the bidirectional nonlinear interaction of spacetime and matter-energy in general relativity.
The effects of backactivity are negligible in interactions at the atomic scale; divergences from the predictions of conventional quantum mechanics would be manifest only in systems where quantum coherence occurs at the mesoscopic and macroscopic scale. Sarfatti suggests that this post-quantum backactivity may be involved in various phenomena as follows:

http://www.fourmilab.to/goldberg/saucers.html
 
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  • #2
It may be wrong, it may even be technically foolish, but I don't see how, this side of mere predjudice, you can call it bologna.

Consider. Bohm's theory in and of itself is considered wrong by physicists, because it violates relativity, but they don't at all call Bohm a crank, and John Bell, who is regarded respectfully in the community, took Bohm's theory seriously. So Bohm is not bologna.

Now Bohm's theory has a potential function that "tells a particle where to go". This replaces the usual quantum account.

Sarfatti now comes and says a one-way interaction like that, potential -> particle, is contrary to nature. We need also to consider the back reaction particle -> potential. As he says this would resemble the mutual interaction of curvature and stress-energy in GR. Is this a stupid idea? Not obviously. _Given_ the Bohm potential/particle satz, Sarfatti's addendum looks reasonable.. So not bologna per se.

Now Sarfatti deeply believes himself to have been contacted by a UFO as a teenager. He doesn't have anything weird to report about it, like your orgasmic lady, but he believes it took place. This may be silly, but until he gives some obviously false reports, it's not bologna.

Put it in napster.
 
  • #3
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
It may be wrong, it may even be technically foolish, but I don't see how, this side of mere predjudice, you can call it bologna.

Consider. Bohm's theory in and of itself is considered wrong by physicists, because it violates relativity, but they don't at all call Bohm a crank, and John Bell, who is regarded respectfully in the community, took Bohm's theory seriously. So Bohm is not bologna.

Now Bohm's theory has a potential function that "tells a particle where to go". This replaces the usual quantum account.

Sarfatti now comes and says a one-way interaction like that, potential -> particle, is contrary to nature. We need also to consider the back reaction particle -> potential. As he says this would resemble the mutual interaction of curvature and stress-energy in GR. Is this a stupid idea? Not obviously. _Given_ the Bohm potential/particle satz, Sarfatti's addendum looks reasonable.. So not bologna per se.

Now Sarfatti deeply believes himself to have been contacted by a UFO as a teenager. He doesn't have anything weird to report about it, like your orgasmic lady, but he believes it took place. This may be silly, but until he gives some obviously false reports, it's not bologna.

Put it in napster.

Sounds good to me. Since the Napster is for links only, I will leave this thread open for any discussions. Thanks selfAdjoint.
 

1. What are flying saucers?

Flying saucers, also known as unidentified flying objects (UFOs), are objects in the sky that cannot be identified as any known aircraft or natural phenomenon.

2. Are flying saucers real?

The existence of flying saucers is still a topic of debate and speculation. Some believe that they are extraterrestrial spacecrafts, while others argue that they are simply misidentified natural objects or man-made technology.

3. How do scientists explain flying saucers?

Scientists have not yet been able to provide a definitive explanation for flying saucers. Some theories suggest that they could be advanced technology from other planets, while others propose that they are simply optical illusions or hoaxes.

4. Have any flying saucers been proven to be extraterrestrial?

There is currently no concrete evidence to prove that any flying saucers are of extraterrestrial origin. While there have been many reported sightings and alleged encounters, none have been scientifically confirmed.

5. What is the most likely explanation for flying saucers?

The most plausible explanation for flying saucers is that they are man-made objects, such as experimental aircraft or drones, that are misidentified by witnesses. However, without concrete evidence, the true nature of flying saucers remains a mystery.

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