Physics and metaphysics

Human perception and experience as experienced through the brain and mind is dominating scientific research in the 21st century, as opposed to the focus on the physical environment – quantum theory and the general theory of relativity – in the 20th century. Whereas neural research is looking at the concept of self and consciousness, the material universe was to do with matter, as in atoms, particles and planets. Where physics throws up its hands, perhaps neuroscience could take over.

‘According to Descartes, mathematics is applicable to the domain of matter in motion through space and time. So, with maths, we can describe the trajectory of a canon-ball or cart or the motion of the planets and stars…. I think, therefore I am, he declared, placing the human self at the heart of his new worldview,’ writes Margaret Wertheim in a talk on philosophy and theology presented by the John Templeton Foundation.

Immersive experiences that exhilarate, challenge and thrill are being valued more than activities that involve mere observation or narration. Which is why on digital platforms, virtual worlds created, for example, as travel experiences or video games are so popular. So too are social media. These expressions of creative imagination inspire the mind to break free of constraints.