Cognitive Energy
(Appendix A)
“This shift in paradigm thinking in science concerns a shift from thinking in terms of structure to thinking in terms of process. In the old paradigm, it was thought that there were fundamental structures, and then there were forces and mechanisms through which these interacted, which gave rise to process. In this old paradigm, it was the structure that determined the processes. In the new paradigm, we think that process is primary, that every structure we observe is a manifestation of an underlying process. This process thinking came into physics with Einstein’s relativity theory. The recognition that mass is a form of energy eliminated the concept of a material substance from science, and with it also that of a fundamental structure. Subatomic particles are not made of any material stuff; they are patterns of energy. Energy, however, is associated with activity, with processes, and this implies that the nature of subatomic particles is intrinsically dynamic. When we observe them, we never see any substance, nor any fundamental structure. What we observe are dynamic patterns continually changing into one another – a continuous dance of energy.”
— Fritjof Capra, The Tao of Physics page 330
The development of nonlinear theories in the last century has significantly altered our understanding of the universe’s composition. One of these theories, quantum mechanics, suggests that the universe is not composed of building blocks (see Fritjof Capra, page 330, The Tao of Physics for details) but consists of dancing energy. Quantum field theory indicates that the quantized excitation of the fields makes bundles or lumps of energy to present itself as particles. These particles are not separate entities, they are stabilized expressions of the underlying wave dynamic—and each contains information. Every particle in the universe, every electron, every atom, every star, and each of the innumerable galaxies in the heavens, is teeming with information. In this way, energy and information constitute the essential fabric of the universe.
Quantum mechanics has also redefined our observed-observer relationship by demonstrating that particles alter their behavior when we observe them with certain expectations. This revelation added a cognitive dimension to energy. Systems theory and network theory subsequently introduced the concept that the self-organizing process is a cognitive process capable of creating a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, when considered in conjunction, these nonlinear theories lead us to conclude that the universe is composed of cognitive energy. According to Max Planck, who was awarded the 1918 Nobel Prize for Physics, “We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This is the matrix of all matter.” Not only is this “force of existence” conscious and intelligent, but Fritjof Capra also contributes a network-perspective to this cognition-centric universe view: “Life organizes itself in networks, and these networks are regenerative, creative, and intelligent.”
All particles carries this inherent spiral pattern of information, allowing particles to participate in nonlinear network patterns to perform in the self-organizing process. As we start perceiving all aspects of our universe on a large scale as carrying this similar pattern, we can see how everything in the universe synchronously fits together, leaving no gaps. Therefore, we can envision a world that operates automatically, without any central command, much like our bodies that constantly perform simultaneous complex tasks with minimum effort.
To learn more of Fritjof Capra’s most current systemic conception of life at the forefront of science and its application in economics, management, politics, design, medicine, and law, explore his online academic course Capra Course.
