The “Window Behind” interview with Arthur M. Young consists of 29 video clips, of which the most interesting ones have been starred and marked in orange. Recorded November 6, 1982.
01. “The method of science is objective…” (2:24)
It’s been assumed that because the method of science is objective that the universe is objective. Forces due to a shower of particles? Current thesis is that photons are virtual.
02. “The reform that I would suggest for science…” (1:12)
If science can recognize that the universe is not exclusively objective we will have a basis for talking about persons. The problem with the emergent paradigm. Consciousness emerges from light.
03. “What are some of the implications of process theory for science…?” (4:50)
Theory can provide a vocabulary to allow a projective basis for reality. We have a basis for talking about human qualities, such as love, through an interpretation of science. Projectivity is the motive power – allows us to talk about life and evolution. Allows a universe that is not deterministic.
04. “Go back and think what does science deal with…” (2:09)*
Science deals with things smaller than ourselves. But human relationships deal with things equal and larger than ourselves. Enlightened self-interest deals with things that can’t be manipulated – and completely outside the province of science.
05. “In a sense science has to become part of a larger picture…” (2:26)*
Science part of a larger whole. The self is larger than science. Knowledge is possible for things smaller. With religion, mystery or magic prevails. The Cloud of Unknowing. We cannot manipulate what’s larger than ourselves. –mancy as opposed to –ology.
06. “Astronomy or astrophysics deals with things like galaxies…” (1:09)
Astronomy, while larger than ourselves, is dealt with in a smaller-than way. Do galaxies have a personality?
07. “Another thing that’s larger than the self is society…?” (4:07)
Society is on the same footing as the ego – not higher than the self. Both are necessary for learning. Is society a lower entity? Organized society provides for more freedom.
08. “The fourth stage is where laws regulate everything…” (1:50)
Fourth stage is realm of determinism. When you can see how it works, you’re free of it. Myths demonstrate the principle of using the laws to rise above them. Cronos myth. Zeus – 5th stage – mastery of laws.
09. “I’m a son. My parents were both painters…” (2:47)
Sketch is rough simulacrum of a painting. To turn it into a painting requires training and skill – losing touch with the simplicity necessary for the initial sketch. You don’t regain the fresh essence until much later. Same descent involved in invention – manufacture. Plunge into manifestation.
10. “The overall picture is that a process is going on…” (0:40)
For a process to be complete it must have means that are determinate.
11. “It says in the bible that God created a firmament…” (2:11)
The “firmament” is the speed of light. This was anticipated by St. Basil, who said that light could get through the firmament but time could not. So in the higher world there is no time.
12. “Why is there a universe…?” (1:17)
Did God want to know himself? To learn something, something must behave according to fixed principles, hence constraints – space and time.
13. “Relativity dealt with space and time…” (1:01)
Relativity treated time and space similarly. Time is something you’re “in.” Hence a theory of time structure, which became a theory of process.
14. “Remember the Genesis account…” (2:04)
Knowledge of good and evil requires a fourfold analysis – good/evil – curiosity/knowledge.
15. “Could you tell me what you see…” (7:09)
Theory constructed to reconcile science with consciousness – but this has antagonized both camps. Science is fragmented and so resists integration itself. Consciousness movement doesn’t want to get down to the basis of things. Parapsychology as a cargo cult. Basic reform of science is required – recognition of projective realms. Science is at odds with itself, because it clings to objectivity while most fundamental things are not objective.
16. “Einstein was looking for a unified field theory…” (3:01)*
Einstein was looking for a unified field theory to reconcile relativity with quantum mechanics. But the mistake was looking for a field. Eddington did it by recognizing the concept of rotation – in relativity the curvature of space/time and in quantum theory the total uncertainty of 360 degrees. Lens example. Both photon and universe have a will of their own, and hence can’t be predicted. Universe’s uncertainty is its own business.
17. “Here we have a circle…” (2:37)
Uncertainty as a circle with a nucleus of vitality as opposed to determinism. The cycle of action is distinguished from a structure in that you have to start at the beginning.
18. “The flip side of this uncertainty…” (3:42)
Flip side of uncertainty is freedom, novelty. Dichotomy of knowing and being. Life is the perpetual creation of novelty. Uncertainty of atoms is the freedom to give up or take on a photon, etc. Molecules uncertainty is reduced. Plants uncertainty of germination. Animals freedom of movement. Spy unpredictable. Universe is always novel. Predictability depends on repeatability.
19. “Could you fill in a little more about this uncertainty…” (2:13)
In logic, things must have antecedent. Opposite logic is novelty, which permeates life. Uncertainty is defined in terms of angle, hence rotation.
20. “The hierarchy principle per se…” (3:54)
Organization involves delegation of freedoms. Organization is transcended in animals with the principle of transformation. Energy is traded for time further up the arc.
21. “A very simple way of looking at evolution is in terms of symmetry…” (2:48)*
Evolution in terms of symmetry. Crystals have 3-dimensional symmetry. Plants have one axis of asymmetry. Animals have two axes of asymmetry.
22. “Relativity is supposed to be an improvement…” (2:33)*
Relativity talks of events in space time. But more important then events are “changes of state.” Change of state builds on what comes before, events do not.
23. “A reason for the theory is to be able to address the question of life…” (1:02)
Life is a postulate of the theory. Life cannot be rationalized.
24. “People think that Darwinism explains evolution…” (2:49)*
Darwinism doesn’t explain jumps to higher orders. It doesn’t apply to evolution within a species. Theory is based on pre-existence of the soul, which provides a reason for living.
25. “I noticed that so many myths talked about seven…” (4:23)
Myths talk about seven-ness. The torus, representing process, takes seven colors. Process assimilates itself, hence reflexive. Torus is self-sustaining.
26. “Well the next step was what to fill in…” (1:30)
Mahatma Letters were convincingly written in 1884 – said there were three kingdoms below the molecular. Physics revealed what they were.
27. “The molecular state is different from atoms…” (1:42)
Copper as an example of the molecular realm as distinct from the atomic realm.
28. “I think if you really want to get a grasp of the stages…” (1:05)
Words/letters are like molecules/atoms.
29. “What particularly irritates me…” (1:14)
The n-dimensional universe doesn’t exist. Our three-dimensional world is the limit in theory.
Credits
The Yoga of Thinking: Arthur M. Young Video Archive is a project of Anodos Foundation. All video material is copyrighted by Hypersphere and is licensed to Anodos for this Archive.
- Producer/interviewer: Arthur Bloch
- Principle camerawork: Mike Shedlin
- Additional camerawork: Randy Elliott
