UNIVERSAL MEDIUM

Chapter two defines basic assumption and postulation of this alternative concept. Basic assumption and postulated foundational matter-particle are derived from the fundamental fact of existence of matter-bodies in nature. Whole of this concept is built upon postulated foundational matter-particle. On developing the concept, it is found that the foundational matter-particle, as it is postulated, can provide logical explanations to all physical phenomena, related to matter. Hence, this postulation may be scientifically scrutinized only after whole of this concept, as described in later chapters, is understood.

2.1. Assumptions in physics:

Fundamental aspects of all contemporary laws and theories in physics are that they are based on one or more assumptions (and postulations) about nature of real world. However, omission to state these assumptions along with physical laws (or theories), every time they are used, often misguides a student and causes erroneous beliefs. Different sets of assumptions, used with different theories, aggravate confusion and deprive physics of it status as a comprehensive branch of science. Therefore, all attempts to rethink diverse physical laws and related assumptions should be appreciated. Scrutinizing fundamental assumptions and compiling them into a single set, on which all physical theories are based, will help to remove current perplexity in physics.

Preconceived ideas, used by rational beings to analyze information perceived through their sense-organs, may be in the form of images observed directly by an individual or in the form of assumptions, which are believed to be true. Hence, fundamental assumptions are essential to perceive and understand physical phenomena about which an observer has no preconceived idea by direct experience. As physics is not restricted to certain individuals, basic ideas used in physical theories have to be supported and accepted widely. Assumptions, stated in conjunction with a theory, help to broaden basis of preconceived ideas for all students, with respect to a theory.

Generally, it is considered that assumptions and postulations need not be logical or based on prior reason. No questions on their creation or reason for their existence arise. They are to be recognized as true for purposes for which they are intended. However, all further developments from basic assumptions or postulations need to have logical continuity. Once certain fundamental assumptions are made, it is incorrect to add to it or modify the same, during every step of further development of a theory. Additions or modifications break logical continuity.

Contemporary physics has no single set of basic assumptions. Current practise is to formulate suitable assumptions as and when a new theory is formulated for a phenomenon that cannot be explained on the basis of a prior set of assumptions, used elsewhere. Another practise is to borrow assumptions used for certain phenomenon to explain apparently similar phenomenon. This may cause gross error in chain of reasoning. As a result, currently we use far too many unrelated assumptions in physics. Imaginary thought-experiments also contributed to growing number of assumptions.

Assumptions are often cast in mathematical form for logical analysis to determine consequences of physical laws and to check if results concur with real world actions. If they do, the assumptions are judged true. Mathematical analysis of assumptions provides a logical description, without any particular reason, how certain phenomenon works in real world. If results do not concur with real world actions, assumptions are judged wrong and different or modified assumptions substituted for original. This process is repeated until current assumptions are proved true in mathematical aspect. This sort of conclusion needs not always be correct.

Mathematics is a self-contained logical system, whose conclusions are true, independently of what happens in real world. If conclusions, based on certain set of assumptions, agree with a particular real world phenomenon; blindly using same set of assumptions for all other seemingly similar phenomena, to derive further consequences, may not assure correct conclusion. As a result, a flaw at any step is carried forward in newer theories and errors in reasoning multiply in geometrical progression. Over emphasize on mathematical analyses without conceptual reasoning is bound to increase number of baseless assumptions.

There are few assumptions, without which no scientific (or even other rational) thoughts are possible. For example: Physical universe is real, Physical entities have objective reality in space, Space contains real entities, Humans are rational beings with ability to observe, analyse and understand physical phenomena, Human rationalisation itself is based on fundamental assumptions, etc. These assumptions are better discussed at metaphysical level.

In addition to metaphysical conjectures, currently we have too many assumptions in physical theories. Many theories use different sets of assumptions, which often contradict, when taken together. This is neither desirable nor helpful in search for true explanations of physical phenomena. Fundamental assumptions should be as few as possible and they should be applicable identically in cases of all physical phenomena. There is nothing special about any physical phenomenon. They should all be explained on same basis. Theories and explanations (at all levels) should be based on original assumption(s) for their logical continuity.

Original assumption(s) should be logical, consistent and without contradictions. They would require no change, addition or modification as our knowledge increases. Original assumption(s) should be the only supposition(s), which requires no logical basis or prior cause. This being the case, they cannot be questioned, except for contradictions in their formulations. All other assumptions (if any) will be secondary in nature and they will be derived as conclusions from original assumption(s).

Analysing different phenomena separately causes proliferation of assumptions in physics. This is an easy and convenient method used by physicists. As assumptions are not questioned, a physicist is at liberty to prescribe special set of assumptions for analysis of each phenomenon, to suit desired results, without considering existing assumptions. Every phenomenon is a result of prior causes. Neglecting assumptions, used for prior causes, while formulating new assumptions is not correct. Analysing a phenomenon, in isolation, is like creating a new branch of science. To make physics a comprehensive science, analyses of all physical phenomena should be based on the same set of fundamental assumption(s).

Although physics is the science of matter and its (apparent) actions and interactions, modern theories neglect matter altogether in mathematical analysis and use one of its attributes – mass – for theoretical analysis. This method shifts focus of physics from matter to one of its qualities. Assumptions used for matter are not valid for mass and vice versa. Although matter is the basis of everything in universe, it is hardly discussed as an entity. Use of its qualities, instead of matter itself, leads to many misconceptions in modern physics.

It is equally important to define basic terms used in physics. Most of fundamental terms are not defined at all. Lack of proper definitions causes them to mean differently in different theories and often encourage their misuse. Although colloquial but undefined meanings are alright for general purposes, when used in physical theories they should have properly defined meanings. This will help uniformity and consistency of explanations on various phenomena.

Few of the assumptions, used in current physics, are contrary to scientific wisdom and common sense. Irrespective of their absurdity, they are widely used without questions. Wherever they fail, due to their irrationality, equally bizarre assumptions are substituted. ‘Actions at a distance through empty space’ is one of them. Cause-less random motion of molecules and atoms in kinetic theory of gas is another example. A rational mechanism of actions can help to make physics more realistic and rectify most misconceptions.

Universe and all its constituents are materialistic. All real entities, including rational beings, are made of matter. Therefore, ‘existence of matter’ can be considered as a single phenomenon without prior cause. Existence of matter can be accepted as the only fundamental truth. Consequently, original set of assumption(s) in physics should be related only to matter. All other phenomena occur to, on or about matter-bodies. They have to have prior causes, derived from the fact of ‘existence of matter’. No further assumptions or modifications of original set of assumptions should be required to explain them.

Logical continuity of explanations on all other physical phenomena has to be based on original set of assumption(s) on ‘existence of matter’.

Rational beings are constantly trained to relate cause and effect relations in all physical actions. For every action, there has to be a prior cause and every cause is followed by a subsequent action. If cause of an action is known (even if it is based on some assumptions), no further assumptions are required to understand subsequent action. If cause of an action is unknown, a rational being supposes certain assumptions in place of unknown cause.

Existence is something everyone will agree as truth. Everything, including us, exists. Existence of real entities is the foundation of universe. Hence ‘existence of matter’ can be used as basis for a foundational assumption. To exist is to have objective reality (in space). To have objective reality, an entity should have substance (stuff). All diverse substances in universe are essentially made from same basic substance and in a similar manner.

As far as we know, only matter provides substance to all real entities in materialistic universe. Since ‘existence of matter’ is lone phenomenon without prior cause, that is the only phenomenon which requires assumption(s). Original reason or cause for all other phenomena is the existence of matter. Without matter, none of these phenomena would exist. Therefore, foundational assumption can be stated as: ‘Substance is fundamental and matter alone provides substance to all real entities’. Based on this single assumption, it is possible to develop a viable concept to explain all physical phenomena regarding development of material entities with diverse properties and their interactions, in universe. No other assumptions or imaginary particles are required.

Since real entities exhibit diverse properties, foundational matter-particles (derived from above assumption and which constitute all real entities) cannot have any sort of definite property, except ability to maintain their existence (integrity). Structural arrangements by foundational matter-particles can produce whole scenario of universe, without any other assumptions or imaginary particles. All real entities are created from matter. They are sustained and all their apparent interactions are accomplished and controlled by matter, itself.

A 3D matter-body, by its definition, contains matter. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume virtual or mass-less 3D (physical) objects and their part in any interactions. Various physical objects should all be (basically) identical and obey same basic physical laws under all conditions. It is illogical to assume occurrences of singularities and different applications of same laws, depending on parameters of 3D matter-bodies (at microscopic and macroscopic scales). Nature is simple and logical. Therefore, all physical laws operating in the process of creation and apparent interactions of 3D matter-bodies should also be simple and logical. Complicated or illogical physical laws are unnatural. Irrational assumptions and mysterious ‘forces’ or their apparent actions are unscientific.

2.2. Entities:

A living being perceives its surrounding or parts of self by identifying them. Perception is accomplished by analysing information gained through sense-organs and comparing them with preconceived ideas, stored in its mind. Perceived entity has distinct but separate existence from the perceiver (its mind). Perceived entity may be real or imaginary. Real entities have physical existence, while imaginary entities exist only in mind.

Mind, itself a functional entity, is a combined action caused by changes in numerous living cells of a rational being. Mind has no independent existence from subscribing cells. Mind identifies all entities by similar process of imagination and comparison. However, perception of real entities is aided by sensory perception. Perceiver (rational being) may identify and name an entity. A name is a word (or collection of words) referring to an individual entity or a group, which singles out an entity or group by directly pointing to it. Named entity or group may be real or imaginary.

Rational beings perceive entities by their sensory organs. Perceived information is then processed and compared with previous experiences by rational being’s mind to know and experience the entity and its existence. Existence is always particular and individual. This does not mean that all that is perceived by senses are real. Different sensory organs may perceive same object in different ways. Only one of them can correspond to reality.

An entity that is sensed by sensory organs or tangible by spatial standards and is relatively stable in its form is a real object or physical body. A real entity is a thing with distinct existence that can be sensed by rational beings. It has existence in itself. To exist is to have a place in objective reality. A place that contains a real entity is usually understood as space. Although, space is a functional entity and very vague, such a place of existence is always presupposed by rational beings, whenever a real entity is envisaged. No reasons or logical considerations are used for this presupposition, other than empirical evidence that two 3D physical bodies cannot exist in same place, simultaneously. Space acts as an (imaginary) container, without form or structure to contain all real objects.

All physical entities are real. In physics, they are generally referred as bodies or objects. They are assumed to have inherent (apparent) properties of gravitation and inertia. By gravitation, they (apparently) attract each other. By inertia, each real body (apparently) tends to maintain its state of motion or rest. Inertia is assumed to make bodies sluggish to respond to stimulations. Real bodies have substance and they occupy space. Since they have structure, they can be displaced in space; causing their motion or deformation. Hence, physical actions of motion or deformation are real and can happen only to real entities.

Existence is recognized by rational mind. This may be the result of correct or incorrect sensory perceptions or it may be by mere thought-process. If existence is recognized by sensory perception, in order to exist, substance needs a place. Hence, it is essential for a rational mind to presuppose a space for existence of a real entity. This is how we created functional entity of space in universe. Space is purely a functional entity. Its sole function is to provide a place of existence for real objects. It has neither a form, nor a structure nor any physical properties. Such an entity cannot move, distort or act. Functional entities do not require space for their existence. They exist in minds of perceivers.

Some times, it is normal for sensory perception to be unreal. This is where rational being’s prior training helps it to rationalize and differentiate between real and unreal perceptions. A stick, partially dipped in water, may appear by sight as a bend body – an imaginary stick. By touch, the stick would appear in its real shape, a straight body – the real stick. Both, imaginary stick and real stick, appear to exist in same location. If they exist in same location, surely they cannot be different but the same entity. In this case, bend stick has no existence but straight one exists in space. Both real (straight) stick and imaginary (bend) stick are perceptions of mind, but by different sensory organs.

Real (straight) stick exists in space and imaginary (bend) stick does not exist in space. Only real (straight) stick occupies space. It is a real entity. It has positive existence in space. Bend stick, perceived by rational being is an imaginary entity. It has no existence in space. It exists only in the mind of perceiver. This is an example of aberration of sensory perceptions. All entities, which have no real existence in space but have their existence only in the mind of perceiver, are imaginary entities. They are functional in nature and fulfil functions assigned to them by rational beings.

An imaginary entity is developed or created from mind’s own faculty, without any need to sensory information. Sensory information may some times help to create, develop, change or enhance imaginary entities (e.g.: virtual images). Imaginary entity has no substance or real existence in space. Many functional entities may exist simultaneously, in association with a real entity. Since a functional entity has no substance, it has no form or structure. It can neither initiate nor undergo physical actions. It cannot deform or move.

2.2.1. Substance:

‘Substance’ is the basic stuff from which everything else is constructed. One common way to identify substance is through its physical properties. In its physical sense, ‘substance’ is that which exists in itself and does not depend upon anything else for its existence. Attributes or characteristic properties are inherent in (and about) substances and depend on the substance for their existence. Substance (or stuff) provides an entity with objective reality in space. It is because of substance, an entity contains, it becomes a real entity. Therefore, as far as real entities are concerned, substance is most fundamental. Without constituent substance, there can be no real entities.

The concept of substance, in its generic sense in any philosophical system, is those things, which (according to that system) are foundational or fundamental entities of reality. They are the basic substances from which everything else is constructed. In certain philosophy, impressions and ideas are substances, for same reason. In another, anything that stimulates sensory organs is substance. Yet in another, it provides objective reality in space. Etc. Although in different senses, all philosophical systems acknowledge existence of substances as a particular kind of basic entity. Some philosophical theories acknowledge them as such and others do not. Conception of substance as basic entity derives from our notion of individuality of ‘thing’ or ‘object’, in contrast with ‘properties’ of entities and ‘events’.

Using epistemological principles, existence of substance may be denied (school of philosophy led by David Hume). It is argued that; since all human knowledge must be traced back to sensation, idea of substance must be also be traced to the same. Since sensory perceptions themselves cannot provide knowledge of substance, no one can know substance, as a distinct stuff from that of a collection of particular qualities or attributes. Thus, substances are nothing but a collection of simple ideas that are united by imagination and have a particular name assigned to them. In its essence, knowledge of aesthetic object becomes knowledge of aesthetic experience itself. This school of thought adopts the approach that puts aesthetic experience first and then examines aesthetic object as an intentional object of that experience. Digital physics also follows similar line of thoug