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| | {{comic | | {{comic |
| | | number = 1240 | | | number = 1240 |
| − | | date = July 19, 2013 | + | | date = July 19,2013 |
| | | title = Quantum Mechanics | | | title = Quantum Mechanics |
| − | | image = quantum mechanics.png | + | | image = quantum_mechanics.png |
| − | | titletext = You can also just ignore any science assertion where 'quantum mechanics' is the most complicated phrase in it. | + | | titletext = ''You can also just ignore any science assertion where 'quantum mechanics' is the most complicated phrase in it.'' |
| | }} | | }} |
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| | ==Explanation== | | ==Explanation== |
| − | This comic plays with the fact that {{w|quantum mechanics}} is a very complex subject that is frequently misapplied by laymen. Many of the phenomena studied in quantum mechanics are contrary to common sense and can only be expressed in complex mathematics. Yet, since the field is fundamental to our understanding of reality, it is commonly cited to support broad sweeping philosophical generalizations. | + | This comic plays with the fact that Quantum Mechanics is a very complex subject. Many of the phenomena studied in Quantum Mechanics are almost against common sense and could lead to arguable statements as "It is possible for me to cross through a concrete wall without hurting me or the wall" - this statement is true but it has a (near) zero probability of success. |
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| − | The phrase “according to quantum mechanics” betrays the speaker's lack of knowledge about the subject. To a physicist, it is almost as vague as “according to physics”. Somebody who understands the subject would use a more precise term, such as “according to the uncertainty principle” or “according to a paper by such-and-such.”
| + | In this comic, [[Cueball]] states that "according with Quantum Mechanics" dogs do have souls. This enhances the fact that most statements that include "according with Quantum Mechanics" do not make sense in most conversions, and so "You can safely ignore" any of these sentence. |
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| − | [[Cueball]] explains to [[Ponytail]] that dogs must have {{w|souls}}. This would be against the doctrine of certain religions, including some sects of Christianity, which teach that only humans have souls. The question of whether animals have souls comes up for many reasons in theological and philosophical discussions. One major one is the wish of many Christian dog owners to meet their pets in {{w|Heaven}}. In many Christian doctrines, this would require dogs not only to have souls, but also ''immortal'' souls. This distinction comes up in Catholicism, for example, where the commonly taught doctrine, as in [http://dhspriory.org/thomas/english/ContraGentiles2.htm#82 Aquinas, S.C.G. II, C. 82], is that, while animals do have souls, their souls are mortal, and therefore die with their bodies. In this case, animals cannot enter Heaven, {{w|Hell}}, or {{w|Purgatory}}.
| + | The title text makes a reservation for scientific statements that really involve quantum mechanics but only if "Quantum mechanics" is not the most complicated term in the sentence. This means that if a scientist is really talking about Quantum Mechanics, he will use much more complicated terms. |
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| − | Cueball, however, uses quantum mechanics as an argument, even though quantum mechanics is only applicable on the atomic scale and not on macroscopic objects like animals. It also only applies to matter and energy, and not to souls, which are held by most doctrines to be immaterial. His argument, however, is a reference to the concept of an '{{w|Observer (quantum physics)|observer}}' in quantum physics, as well as theories about the {{w|Von Neumann–Wigner interpretation|collapse of wave functions}}. It should also be noted that science does not equate the ability to observe the world and possession of a soul, and that the latter is merely a theological concept, not used in science and not proven to exist in real world. | + | ==Transcript== |
| | + | [Cueball facing ponytail while holding a leash leading to a dog] |
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| − | The vast majority of people do not have a sufficient understanding of quantum mechanics to judge whether Cueball's statement is correct. Nevertheless, [[Randall|Randall's]] message is: you don't need to understand quantum mechanics to judge the statement. No matter what the sentence is, it is almost certainly incorrect, so “you can safely ignore” it.
| + | Cueball: But dogs can observe the world, which means that according to quantum mechanics they must have souls. |
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| − | The title text refers to “science assertions” — that is, claims about scientific knowledge — that include the words “quantum mechanics”. If “quantum mechanics” is the most complicated term in the sentence, then the speaker probably does not know what they are talking about. If a scientist is correctly applying quantum mechanics, they will use more specific (and hence more complicated) language.
| + | '''Protip:''' you can safely ignore any sentence that includes the phrase "according to quantum mechanics" |
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| − | ==Transcript== | + | ==Trivia== |
| − | :[Cueball and Ponytail stand facing each other, talking. Cueball has a small dog on a leash.]
| + | Niels Bohr's quote: |
| − | :Cueball: But dogs can observe the world, which means that according to quantum mechanics they ''must'' have souls.
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| − | | |
| − | :[Caption below the frame:]
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| − | :'''Protip''': You can safely ignore any sentence that includes the phrase "According to quantum mechanics".
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| − | ==Trivia==
| + | ''If quantum mechanics hasn't profoundly shocked you, you haven't understood it yet.'' |
| − | *{{w|Niels Bohr}} [https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Niels_Bohr quote]:
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| − | ::''Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it.''
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| | {{comic discussion}} | | {{comic discussion}} |
| − | | + | <!-- Include any categories below this line. --> |
| − | [[Category:Protip]]
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| − | [[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
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| − | [[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]
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| − | [[Category:Physics]]
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| − | [[Category:Animals]]
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| − | [[Category:Religion]]
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