9.25 The Perception Spheres’ Reversal of the Scientific Order
The Perception Spheres Theory states that lower spheres are subordinate to and governed by higher ones:
1. Concrete Relations < 2. General Values < 3. Autonomous Principles < 4. Essence, Meaning
From the perspective of the Perception Spheres, the hierarchy of fundamental scientific disciplines appears as follows:
1. Chemistry < 2. Biology < 3. Physics < 4. Mathematics
The reasons for this order are that Chemistry primarily addresses the relations between elements and the molecules they form. Biology predominantly deals with the values of life—physical survival, death, health, disease, etc. Physics reveals natural principles and formulates autonomous laws of energy and motion. Finally, Mathematics provides the fundamental logical apparatus for the development of all other sciences. (This implies, for instance, that if mathematicians do not provide the corresponding tools, it may be impossible to confirm or refute certain new theories proposed by physicists.)
The problem is that this order, at first glance, seemingly contradicts the Perception Spheres Theory’s assertion that lower spheres are subordinate to higher ones: how does Physics govern Biology, and Biology govern Chemistry?
Moreover, the classic model seems more logical, in which the subordination and superordination of scientific disciplines stem from the size of the “building blocks” of physical reality:
Quantum Vacuum > Atom > Molecule > Cell / Tissue
In other words: Atoms “emerge” from the Quantum Vacuum; these, along with physical principles, determine the structure of Molecules; and Molecules create Cells and Tissues.
This determines the scientific order as:
Mathematics > Physics > Chemistry > Biology
In this so-called Reductionist Model, Physics dictates what Chemistry will look like, and Chemistry dictates what Biology will look like. It is as if we were to say that the smallest doll of the Russian matryoshka (Atom) arises first, and only then is the larger doll (Molecule) formed according to it, and the largest, outer doll (Cell, Tissue) according to the Molecule.
The Perception Spheres Theory, however, not only reverses this perspective but, from the standpoint of the objects studied by science, even suggests that the smaller doll contains the larger: i.e., when Biology dictates how Chemistry should look, the cell fits into the molecule.
The contradiction between these two perspectives can be explained by the difference in their premises.
The Reductionist Model essentially views the world and physical reality mechanically, like a puzzle or a building set. The human observer stands, as it were, outside the puzzle, examining its structure, relations, and functions. As for the intention and meaning of the events within the puzzle, these seem not to be contained within it. Intention and meaning exist only as thoughts or questions in the human mind. Consequently, they appear not to exist in (physical) reality itself.
The Perception Spheres Theory was initially conceived based on the idea that its conceptual quartet of “Relations – Values – Principles – Essence” describes non-physical (non-natural) quantities. But upon closer inspection, it is a universal theory, because “Relations – Values – Principles…” can signify both psychological concepts and exact physical concepts (thermal values, thermodynamic principles, etc.).
The Perception Spheres Theory is thus more general than the Reductionist Model and essentially appears to be a universal theory for describing reality. This means, among other things, that questions of meaning and intention do not exist (only) in the human mind but are directly integrated into “inanimate” physical reality.
As for the meaning of the word Physics, it also supports this view. The word Physics comes from ancient Greek and means nature. Its primordial root in the Proto-Indo-European language is in the meaning of “to appear, to become, to (out)grow.” As a scientific discipline, Physics searches for and formulates fundamental natural principles. When we say “natural principles,” it implies that these principles are contained both within nature and outside of nature—otherwise, they could not be “pulled out” of nature and formulated. This involves connecting the understanding in the human mind with an intention that exists outside of nature, which man has discovered within nature. Consider Einstein’s statement that he wanted to know God’s thoughts.
This leads to the conclusion that Physics truly governs Biology, and Biology governs Chemistry, establishing a Vertical Causality. Therefore, Physics first states what Biology will look like, and only then does Biology state what Chemistry will look like. If we start from the original (Greek) meaning of the word bio, it begins to make sense: a “physical” principle establishes the intention of what life will look like, and this life then “orders” the appropriate chemical building material to fulfill that intention.
For example: The Intention is that a human will have four limbs but no wings. Consequently, wing tissue is not biologically created, and the necessary building molecules are not “ordered” for it. (The Reductionist Model, by contrast, says that tissues were created from molecules, and it happened by chance that limb tissues were created, but not wing tissues.)
The Reductionist Model is also supported by the notion of absolute linear time, meaning that physical reality was “assembled” gradually from the bottom up. However, the existence of absolute linear time has been scientifically refuted, so the way in which reality assembles itself in spacetime can follow a different logic. For example, that reality is created intentionally, outside of linear logical sequence, and not mechanically and progressively.
It is perhaps similar to painting a picture: first there is the vision (Principle) of the likeness (Value) of the painting, and only then the individual brushstrokes (Relations). Thus, in the analogy of sciences ordered by the Perception Spheres: Physics > Biology > Chemistry.
Because the quartet “Relations < Values < Principles < Essence” encompasses both non-living and “living” quantities, it unifies, integrates, and vivifies our Reality. Reality itself must always be this way; otherwise, it could not be the source of life and knowledge.
The optics of the Perception Spheres can thus correct our often mechanical thinking, which leads us to perceive the world merely as a terrain of power struggles and forces.