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Politics & Legal > Quantum Physics & Politics
 

Quantum Physics & Politics

image


 Back in 1927, German theoretical physicist Werner
Heisenberg came up with what is known as the uncertainty theory.  It is
also sometimes called the principle of
indeterminacy
.  This dictates that at
the miniscule or quantum level it becomes impossible to measure a particle’s
exact location with any degree of precision.  In fact, you cannot measure the particle’s position without affecting
its momentum in an unpredictable way.  In
other words, uncertainty is inherent in the quantum realm.

I mention all this because of the temptation to
apply Heisenberg’s theory to the realm of politics as well. 

The theory might be restated as follows:  when you attempt to pin down a politician’s
position with any degree of certainty, it suddenly becomes impossible to ascertain
his exact view.  In fact, by the very act
of questioning him on a specific issue, you are affecting his opinion in an
unpredictable and often imperceptible way (particularly if he doesn’t know what
he thinks anyway).  Ambiguity, for a
politician, is a natural result of his need to preserve his political
existence.

In common parlance, this might be referred to as
flip-flopping.  To make it easy, picture
Mitt Romney as an outstanding example of the uncertainty theory of
politics.  He lost the election partially
due to the perception of most people that he approached most issues sort of
like a quantum particle careening its indeterminate way around the primary
laboratory.

Hats off to Werner Heisenberg.   He
would have made a great political commentator.

posted on Mar 28, 2013 1:56 PM ()

Comments:

Ted and I have an ongoing argument that Quantum theories do not make sense.
However, I have to yield when it applies to politics.
comment by elderjane on Mar 29, 2013 5:45 AM ()
You know how when you are taking a shower, and someone turns on the cold water and your shower gets hot all of a sudden? I am convinced that just turning on the hot shower itself causes that flip-flop effect so it has to be adjusted after a few seconds to allow for it.
comment by troutbend on Mar 28, 2013 5:05 PM ()
There, see, and you didn't even have to take a course in quantum physics, did you?
reply by steeve on Mar 28, 2013 6:25 PM ()
I'm sure Rmoney would be flattered!
comment by jjoohhnn on Mar 28, 2013 4:11 PM ()
It's intentional. Left over from preelection days. Two points for noticing tho! When the word has correct first and last letters the brain usually sees what it expects to see (word superiority effect).
reply by jjoohhnn on Mar 28, 2013 7:54 PM ()
I don't know if your typo in Romney's name was accidental or on purpose but, either way, it sure is appropriate to call him Rmoney!!
reply by steeve on Mar 28, 2013 6:27 PM ()
I love theory when it can so easily be applied.
comment by tealstar on Mar 28, 2013 3:09 PM ()
I hope you're feeling better!
reply by steeve on Mar 28, 2013 6:28 PM ()
comment by nittineedles on Mar 28, 2013 2:52 PM ()
I'm sure we could apply this to knitting too.
reply by steeve on Mar 28, 2013 6:29 PM ()

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