This is supposed to represent Quantum Foam, and not whatever you probably thought it was.
The Planck scale (ca.1.616×10-35 meters) is said to be the smallest limit of classical measurements. Further probing would require photons with Planck scale sized wavelengths, thus become so energetic that it would collapse into a black hole. No information could be retrieved from that realm of the unimaginably small where quantum indeterminacy and probability rule [1]. So, either this is the physical limit the universe “allows” us to reach, or perhaps that really is the final foundation of reality?
Wherever science still has a long way to go, philosophy can challenge the minds’ owns limitations. Imagine, what if the Planck scale truly was the limit, and that nothing (whatever nothing is) existed beyond that. It certainly goes against one’s common sense as much as the concept of infinity(-ies) and the Theory of Relativity. We are so accustomed to the contingent causes and effects of the physical macroscopic world, so to imagine a foundation without any underlying support truly boggles the mind.
Perhaps the concept of the Planck scale being the final limit without further constitution really is the bottom end in the same sense that we weren’t conscious before we were born. Certain facts are simply hard-coded into the universe and has a definite limitation. Similarly, could existence, just be? Or is it turtles all the way down, so to speak? Who knows.
Our sensory perceptions and conscious processing might not be able to comprehend what lies below the Planck scale, but it’s more of a question whether we can make any kind of measurement with good enough instruments or not, not necessarily our own biological shortcomings. So, if one where to, say, discover that there is no underlying constituents of the quantum realm, then how would it affect our way of thinking about nature? As far as theorized (tested), virtual particles pop in and out of existence constantly [2]. If so, then this is the boiling “quantum foam” making up the fabric of the universe. There are scientific theories that gives this notion credibility. Yet, life goes on. We accept the inherent absurdity of Planck scale quantum events.
But should the concept of a finite inwards universe be scary? Should it cause concern and feelings of hopelessness, the hollow feeling that we and everything else ‘just is…’? Not at all. There is great comfort in realizing nature’s limitations, to know a bit better how it works. In a way, if you and I, all our hopes and ideas, are nothing but matter that happens to exist, then that means we are completely and utterly free to explore the limitations of the outward universe. Let’s hope we’ll discover them someday, I do think it is within our grasp.
important to find common ground and assure it’s stability or that it alters according to the environment one currently inhabits with other similar organisms e.g. humans. Every human would without hesitation agree that red is red, fire hurts and that we die without air. And how do we know this?
are self-aware agents and are bound by motion conceptualized as time. Any decision made will push matter around. How events play out in our localized piece of the world depends on prior actions and the resulting cascade of reactions. In this precise moment, there will always be a small possibility of anything happening. We don’t know the future and we don’t know all there is to be known of neither present nor past. This might be favorable or it might be disadvantageous. So then, what if one were able to break free from this limitation and have knowledge of all concurring factors? Would that even be desirable?
fact and opinion is of special importance when drawing conclusions. Then the “How do you know that?” and “Why is that?” questions are asked, concerning fact and opinion respectively. In mundane arguments, indecision or problem-solving, there tend to be a substantial lack of data regarding the relevant factors involved. One rarely has a particular day’s appearing facts scribbled down on a note in one’s wallet, ready for settling agreement or rejection. Therefore, I make use of my own simple “Three Laws of Determining”:
t exist. There is always room for improvement since nature is dynamic, therefore science is as well. Some believers have this argument that one cannot completely trust science and its methods, because it will always be off limits to the ultimate “truth”. Of course, this is true.
Believer Beware 