Asides

The Cosmic Tango

Thursday, 11 June 2017, 14:14 PM

The Artistry of Summa Metaphysica’s Potentialism Theory

Summa Metaphysica/Potentialism Theory is the creation of philosopher/metaphysicist/cosmologist David Birnbaum. To Manhattanite Birnbaum, different levels of the cosmic order mimic each other; indeed Birnbaum shows how detective-like we can unravel cosmic secrets by observing human or plant behavior and then extrapolate outward to the universe as-a-whole; and vice-versa.

Harvard and yeshiva-educated David Birnbaum sometimes speaks of the universe in the form of Yin/Yang lovers doing a cosmic tango. For scientists this can be off-putting. For the pure metaphysicist, intriguing.

Metaphysics was crafted within the realm of philosophy, not hard science. Certainly, metaphysics at its core incorporates (all) scientific principle as well as (all) data – as anyone crafting a theory of the universe, as a whole, needs to. But metaphysics is something much more. Metaphysics at its finest, deals not only with science, but also with consciousness, reason, art, morality, human existence et al. In modern terms, this latter cluster of metaphysics-related areas is often the turf of humanism. See Unifying1000.com.

David Birnbaum, the designer of the cosmological Potentialism Theory (aka Quest for Potential∞ Theory aka Q4P-Theory), as covered in his three-part Summa Metaphysica work, has accomplished what was once believed to be an unassailable task – the marrying of humanism and science and philosophy into one overarching theory of cosmology. See PotentialismTheory.com.

One dynamic central to Potentialism Theory is Push/Pull. From a humanistic perspective, the dynamic is easily understandable. To Eastern philosophy it is represented in the Yin and Yang dynamic. In Summa Metaphysica this duality is also represented as Achievement/Fulfillment…Active/Passive… Male/Female…Aggressive/Seductive.

David Birnbaum hypothesizes that the universe changes and grows because of an inherent need to achieve greater levels of complexity; Per Birnbaum, the universe vectors towards ever-greater complexity/sophistication/richness/integration/variety/wondrousness. See TheoryCore.com.

Q4P → E+. This is the core Potentialism Theory formula; it hypothesizes that the universe’s Infinite Quest for Potential (shorthand: Q4P) drives it ever-onwards towards the end goal of extraordinary potential, or in Birnbaum lexicon, Extraordinariation (E+). See also Glossary1000.com.

Q4P represents the Yang, the male, or the active drive of Potential, the spark that creates complexity. By contrast, E+ represents Extraordinariation, the end goal of the cosmos, the female, which ‘passively’ lures the active Q4P towards the desired goal.

Birnbaum describes these simultaneously, as well, in Western terms – the Push/Pull dynamic.

The Push – The Yang. The active drive towards complexity and, thus, Potential. The universal driving force of the universe. The neo-male.

The Pull – The Yin. It is the universal draw. It gives Push both meaning and destination. It is the inspiration that gives the universe purpose. The neo-female.

These two forces combine to drive the entirety of the universe in what Birnbaum calls the Cosmic Tango. And it is right that it should be described as a dance of lovers. From a humanistic perspective, the emotional coming together of humans is one of the highest orders of expression; and to David Birnbaum himself, it is a pinnacle of complexity.

But what is truly interesting is that this Cosmic Dance can be seen to replay itself over and over throughout the physical universe as well – be it on the micro or macro scale. Like all of Potentialism, it can be seen all around us. Take, for instance, the macro scale. Star systems and galaxies follow the Cosmic Dance. The planets encircle the sun, drawn by its inescapable gravity into a more complex formation. And the sun, in turn, spreads its warmth and light, nurturing the planets in return. In so doing the sun’s warmth and light gives the planets a chance at the ultimate known expression of complexity – human life. Similarly, our sun is cradled with the great pull of the Milky Way itself, without which our star would have long wandered away, alone into the void.

Likewise, on the micro scale, we see the balance of the proton and the electron within the atom and, more importantly and more complexly, the spiral of DNA – the universal blueprint of all life, be it plant or animal. The sugars spiral about one another in the long dance as chromosomes link between them, the complex product of their union. Thus we see the Cosmic Tango played over and over, both in the realm of the humanistic and the realm of the physical sciences – a universal, choreographed dance amongst all things in the universe as the dance of David Binbaum’s Potentialism Theory (aka Quest for Potential∞ Theory aka Q4P-Theory) plays itself onwards. See SummaCoverage.com.

Potentialism Theory: The Summa series

Summa Metaphysica I: Religious Man: God and Evil (Ktav, November 1988);
Summa Metaphysica II: Spiritual Man: God and Good (New Paradigm Matrix, March 2005);
Summa Metaphysica III: Secular Man: The Transcendent Dynamic (New Paradigm Matrix, January 2014).

Potentialism Theory: Dovetailing: MIT & NYU

Recent hi-level academic works dovetailing with Birnbaum's Theory of Potential include the following:

Programming the Universe (Knopf, 2006) by Professor of Quantum Mechanics Seth Lloyd of MIT;
Mind & Cosmos (Oxford Press, 2012) by Professor of Philosophy & Law Thomas Nagel of NYU;
Our Mathematical Universe (Knopf, 2014) by Professor of Physics Max Tegmark of MIT.
See xMIT1000

The Cosmic T-Shirt

In 1989, Nobel Prize winning physicist Leon Lederman of Illinois wrote, “We hope to explain the entire universe in a simple formula you can put on your T-shirt.” Ironically enough, a year before Lederman published his observation, metaphysicist and independent scholar, David Birnbaum of Manhattan, had actually given this very formula. Birnbaum’s quite super-concise “T-Shirt formula?

Q4P^∞

In his three part Summa Metaphysica series, Birnbaum laid out the most audacious, groundbreaking and, indeed, complete cosmological theory ever presented (see SummaMetaphysica.com). Not only did Summa I (1988) include a theory of cosmic evolution and design, it explicitly gave the formula to Lederman's to-be (1989) ‘T-Shirt Theory of Everything’ challenge. And just as Lederman, as well as such other notable minds as Albert Einstein had predicted, it was indeed as simple as expected and hoped- for. The Quest for Infinite Potential drives the universe forward. (See also www.summametaphysica.com/extraordinariation/) The formula was also graphically portrayed as Q4P^∞ (Q4P^∞ (Q4P^∞ ( or Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential ( For our T-shirt, let us simply call it Q4P^∞. See also https://www.summametaphysica.com/theory-core/ That is, Quest for Potential (infinitely iterated) actually defines the cosmic order. A quarter of a century after Summa I was released by Ktav Publishing, Birnbaum’s Q4P^∞ remains unchallenged – and at the very pinnacle of cosmological theory (see SummaCoverage.com). What does this simple equation mean? What is this Quest for Infinite Potential? The theory is as simple as the formula itself: Infinite Potential seeks after ever-greater Infinite Potential. Birnbaum, when investigating the cosmological origins of the universe, was struck by one simple fact – everything in the universe was getting more complex – and, over time seemingly more sophisticated and extraordinary. Not just a few physical phenomena, but everything that was not inanimate. (see www.PotentialismTheory.com) Sometimes something is so pervasive, like the air we breathe, that we take it for granted and don't even see what is right before our very eyes. Such is the case with Potential. And it is literally everywhere. On our very planet we can see it in the evolution of plants and trees; we see it in the broader ecosystem looking at our planet as a whole with its myriad of environments and different microcosms of complex interactions. And it all came into existence on a ball of rock with a molten core. Birnbaum observes: Everything in the universe has a natural, inborn need to seek its own higher Complexification. Birnbaum defines Complexification (shorthand notation: C+ ) as the drive towards greater complexity/sophistication/richness/variety/wondrousness. Entities seek Complexification: Whether that be by morphing into an atom, a molecule, or an organism, the drive is Complexification. As well, entities can advance in C+ by reproducing – as sheer numbers increase the complexity of something as well. Complexification: Take, for instance, Birnbaum's description of human Complexification. On the surface, humanity is arguably the most complex creature we know. Among other profound abilities, humans can reason, dream, fashion tools, shape its own environment – and over many thousands of years, it has evolved to do so. But humanity also makes small changes in Complexification on an individual level every day. Broadly, personal complexity can be thought of as either intrinsic complexity or multiplicative complexity. Intrinsic is when a person grows in complexity through knowledge and experience, literally becoming more complex as they mature. Multiplicative complexity is expressed by humanity's ability to procreate. In short, when two people create a third, the sum of their Potential complexity rises. This holds true, no less, when observing things on a more universal scale. Galaxies are intrinsically more complex when they form and the stars they form in turn increase the multiplicative complexity of the galaxy itself. What's more is that the original, simple formula needs no bylaws to account for exceptions and no modification to work, as is, in describing anything in the universe – even the abstract. Yes, the abstract. Potentialism is used to describe such concepts as thoughts, feelings, love, altruism, beauty, art and emotion as easily as it describes the physical and natural world around us. And for a true metaphysicist, that is a necessary part of cosmology. If you truly seek to understand the entirety of the universe, there is no way to say “well, the physical universe at least.” The universe is everything – from the solar winds that wash over our planet to the notes of a symphony. If you've experienced, then it is part of the universe – no exceptions. But Potentialism doesn't even bat an eye, the same cosmic formula just as apt at explaining morals as molecules. See ParadigmChallenge. In fact, you'll find the universal drive towards greater complexity – enroute towards ever-more-extraordinary Potential – universal and applicable to anything. That is what makes it, in fact, such a powerful Theory of Everything. Quest for Potential (infinitely iterating) drives the cosmos forward via Complexification towards Extraordinariation. The shorthand for Quest for Potential (infinitely iterating) is Q4P^∞; the shorthand for Complexification is C+; the shorthand for Extraordinariation is E+. So, our new SuperLaw of the cosmic order is Q4P^∞ > C+ > E+. The super-shorthand defining the cosmos remains simply Q4P^∞. Thus, Quest for Potential^∞ is both the hidden – and ubiquitous – drive of the universe; it has been hiding in plain sight waiting to be uncovered./discerned/discovered. And there is only one thing that makes this discovery even better – it actually does fit on a T-Shirt with plenty of room to spare.

Q4P^∞

No flaw has been discerned in Birnbaum’s Theory of Potential since first introduced to the world via Summa I (Ktav Publishing, 1988). Summa Metaphysica was the featured and prime focus of a 3+ day international academic conference hosted by Bard College (Upstate NY, March 2012). See www.Conference1000.com). A Course Text at over a dozen colleges (see SummaCourseText ), Summa Metaphysica has been the focus of over fifty feature articles in 2013-2014 alone. Recent hi-level academic works dovetailing with Birnbaum's Theory of Potential include the following: Programming the Universe (Knopf, 2006) by Professor of Quantum Mechanics Seth Lloyd of MIT; Mind & Cosmos (Oxford Press, 2012) by Professor of Philosophy & Law Thomas Nagel of NYU; Our Mathematical Universe (Knopf, 2014) by Professor of Physics Max Tegmark of MIT

God does not play dice with the universe

By Bryce Lowry on 9 November, 2014 11:02 am

Potentialism Theory: metaphysics rescues physics

Quantum physics would haunt Albert Einstein his entire life. The science he helped discover disturbed him intensely. Once quoted as saying “God doesn’t play dice with the universe,” he was forced to look at seemingly strong evidence to the contrary from this field. He actually went to his grave still trying to challenge quantum theory.

It would be over 30 years later, in 1988, when David Birnbaum released the first of his three-part Summa Metaphysica series. What Birnbaum uncovered was a line-of-attack which Einstein would readily embrace – that, indeed, the Quantum is not so random after all. While Einstein thought the cure to universal Randomness lay in disproving Quantum theory, in truth, the answer lay in embracing Quantum theory but better discerning its core thrust; and its core thrust is not random at all.

Essentially Birnbaum’s Potentialism Theory lays the groundwork for a teleological (direction-driven) Quantum physics model; Potentialism thus de facto ‘rescues’ Einsteinian physics from having to co-exist with a randomness Quantum physics model.

Like Einstein before him, Birnbaum refused to accept what Quantum theory seemed to be telling us; which was that the universe was fundamentally a random place, empty of any aspect of direction. Birnbaum distinguishes a clear path and purpose to the seeming chaos of the Quantum physical universe.

Potentialism Theory: unifying physics

Indeed, Birnbaum’s Potentialism Theory, as an aside from cracking the greater cosmic code, also happens – as a by-the-way – to unify (micro-level) Planck’s Quantum physics (Quantum Field Theory) with (macro-level) Einsteinian gravitational physic (General Relativity).

This little by-the-way is what academic physics signifies (somewhat grandiosely) as The Theory of Everything. They have been searching for this ‘unification theory’ for some time. See https://www.summametaphysica.com/einstein-summa/.

Birnbaum wryly notes that many pinnacle academic physicists swear by Randomness and then beat-their-breasts that they cannot unify the two great theories of physics. Maybe their little assumption – of Randomness – is dead wrong.

Regarding academic physics’ Theory of Everything

As alluded to above, the academic physics ‘Theory of Everything’ quest is really just a quest for a unifying theory of the two salient (micro and macro) physics paradigms noted; the pursuit ultimately has ‘limited’ goals; The Summa Metaphysica Theory of Potential, on the other hand, is indeed a true theory of everything – the scope of the soft and hard sciences – but its author holds-back and steers-clear of labelling it as-such. See TTOE1000.com.

Potentialism Theory: overarching?

To Birnbaum, the cosmos and our universe run on his discerned principle of Quest for Potential. Everything that exists seeks out its own greatest/optimal Potential. A seed strives to be a tree, a couple strives to procreate, and a cloud deep in the void seeks to become a star and planets.

This transcendent and all-encompassing energy across the universe is pervasive; it can often be missed, even though it plays out all around us in an endless, universal and infinite dance. It is literally ‘hiding in plain sight’ – as Birnbaum had speculated from the get-go. See SummaMetaphysica.com.

Nuts & bolts

Birnbaum differentiates several key core cosmic dynamics – all inter-related with Potential; he discerns them, fleshes them out, labels them, and gives each a shorthand notation. By condensing his metaphysics, he enables us to get-our-arms around it – and more readily discuss it.

Q4P (Quest for Potential)

Potentialism describes the eternal and infinite Quest for Potential as the central, cosmic drive of the universe. See TheoryCore.com. This Q4P, as he calls it for short, first ignites the universe, and then gives direction/drive to the entire universe. See also www.summametaphysica.com/the-q4p/.

C+ (Complexification)

On the intermediate level Q4P inherently strives towards greater and greater levels of what Birnbaum coins as Complexification (shorthand: C+) the drive for ever-greater complexity, sophistication, richness, integration, diversity, wondrousness. Therefore, C+ is so to speak the handmaiden of Q4P, its ‘enforcer.’

[Note that, incidentally for maverick Birnbaum, American scientists Lloyd and Tegmark, both of MIT, will release books in 2006 (Programming the Universe) and 2014 (Our Mathematical Universe) respectively, which present compatible-with-each-other scientific-mathematical mechanisms for C+. These works are further ‘nails in the coffin for the British-touted Randomness construct – and provide a quite-powerful academic scientific reinforcement for Summa’s metaphysics.]

E+ (Extraordiariation)

In turn, this C+ drives the universe towards what Birnbaum coins as Extraordinariation (shorthand: E+). Extraordinariation is a goal-horizon of sublime and utter super-Complexification – both in form and quality.

In turn, Extraordinariation would include, but not be limited to, ultimate –
grandeur, elegance, beauty, symmetry, fulfillment, consciousness, harmony, artistry, symphony, spirituality, perfection, humanitarianism, romancing, love…parenting, meaning, altruism and mercy …

Extraordinariation level is never actually reached, nor is it intended-to; it is rather, a cosmic-goal-horizon to be quested-after. This eternal ‘quest’ is a key dynamic energising the Cosmic Order, in general, and life, in particular. See www.summametaphysica.com/extraordinariation/.

The three key inter-related components Q4P, C+ and E+; in turn combine into Birnbaum’s proposed SuperLaw of Potentialism:

The SuperLaw of Potentialism Theory

Q4P > C+ > E+ or Quest for Potential > Complexification > Extraordinariation

According to Birnbaum, the universe’s world-wide and infinite drive towards its own Potential can be witnessed in the day-to-day increases in Complexification of everything in the universe. We can witness the theory at-work in the (historical) formation of atoms, then molecules, as well as in the birth of the stars and galaxies – and, indeed, in the birth and inevitable development of life forms on our very own planet.

Potentialism Theory: resolving a conundrum

In Quantum mechanics the classic conundrum is the now classic model that the observation of a photon (an electromagnetic particle of energy) affects its possible trajectory; this has stumped modern science; however, in reality what they are witnessing is the potential for the photon to go with either route – being resolved by observation.

To Potentialists, everything in the universe has an infinite amount of outcomes, but they exist within a finite scope of possibilities. Through experience and observation, just like in quantum mechanical models, choices will affect what seemingly random path may be taken. But from a philosophical perspective, while these choices are infinite in possibilities, they are not directionless – they are all ultimately aimed towards one direction – Extraordinariation.

More on Extraordinariation

Extraordinariation is a Potentialist concept. E+ represents a perfect state of super-complexity – a state of countless complexity. It is not so much a destination as a goal-horizon. Indeed, to Potentialists, if E+ were to be achieved, the universe may very well have concluded itself. But this possibly infinitely long destination is what guides the universe to continually seek higher and higher levels of super-complexity.

Birnbaum calls this inherent motivation towards super-complexity the Quest for Infinite Potential, and it is the basis for his iconic cosmological formula: Q4P > C+ > E+. In one simple formula, Birnbaum lays out the first truism of the universe, giving the cypher that unlocks the encrypted truth of both the universe’s origin and destination.

The metaphysicist and the physicist

Yeshiva-educated and Harvard-educated Conceptual Theorist Birnbaum presumably did not envision himself as a to-be saviour of Einstein; Birnbaum would be the first to tell you that such was not on his to-do list; but in fact that is the case which has emerged.

God? Both Einstein and Birnbaum maintain that God is a possibility.

Chance? Both Einstein and Birnbaum believe that obviously ‘chance’ plays a large part in the universe, but is not the core motif. See www.Summametaphysica.com/huff-post-uk/.

Direction to the universe? Both Einstein and Birnbaum believe in the affirmative. See also Dovetailing1000.com.

So, does God play dice with the universe? Both Einstein and Birnbaum say ‘no way.’

Two key cosmic formulas? Birnbaum’s metaphysical-formula Q4P > C+ > E+ wrapping around Einstein’s physical-formula e = mc2

It’s a wrap.

Wrapping Around Einstein

Posted by: univ7280 Apr 12, 2014

The Holy Grail of physics has always been a Unifying Theory - unifying Macro & Micro physics. (Macro-level) Relativity and (Micro-level) Quantum Mechanics leave theorists with a seemingly intractable paradox – they are both demonstrably true, yet they contradict each other. The great scientific mystery has been how two seemingly contradictory - albeit theoretically and empirically provable theories - can be reconciled.

Metaphysical theorist and philosopher David Birnbaum may be closer than imaginable to an answer. In his three-part treatise, Summa Metaphysica I: Religious Man (1988), II: Spiritual Man (2005), and III: Secular Man (2014). [Summa IV is reportedly on the drawing board]

Birnbaum, aligned with Aristotle, presents a teleologically based (direction-based) model of the cosmic order in sharp contrast to the entrenched Theory of Randomness. His Summa Metaphysica  proposes  a conceptual revolution, challenging entrenched Randomness Theory. Conceptually, Birnbaum posits and defends that the universe is not driven by random-chance and decay, but rather by an intrinsic drive to advance and enhance. Without falling into a religious argument over the nature of the force of Potentialism, Birnbaum’s Quest for Infinite Potential proposes and describes a driver & direction (Quest for Infinite Potential) for the cosmic order.

At its most basic, Potential is the inherent force in the universe that drives creation – matter, energy, life and evolution. It is, per Birnbaum, omnipresent and eternal. Birnbaum's Potentialism (first volume 1988) is a well-defended and vetted theory of cosmology. But the true test of the strength of a philosophical cosmological theory is whether it can stand in the face of the spectrum of physics and reality - which it has to date.

Put simply, the competing ‘theory’ of Randomness does not. It throws in the ‘intellectual towel’ before even attempting to explain physical phenomenon, (somewhat bizarrely) claiming that the entire universe is random, pointless and unknowable.  By contrast, Potentialism not only accepts the myriad challenges, it welcomes them.

Einstein and Planck

Here is the fundamental issue. Einstein is the creator of the (Macro Physics) General Theory of Relativity and the (Micro Physics) Special Theory of Relativity. Relativity shows the interrelation of time and space. The Special Theory describes a geometrically flat space-time universe. This 'flat universe' is where Max Planck’s Quantum Mechanics Theory lives. The basic issue with this is that the universe which Special Theory describes is not our universe. The Special Theory universe is a place where gravity doesn’t exist. To be clear, Quantum Mechanics Theory was crafted in a universe that is not ours. Special Theory was only crafted as an intermediary step as Einstein was working on the (Macro Physics) General Theory of Relativity, which incorporates Einstein’s work on space-time with the Classical Mechanical Model of physics and Newtonian Physics, which governs gravity.

The (Macro Physics) General Theory does its job. It marries space, time and gravity into one mathematical model. That Quantum Theory was born as a derivative of the Special Model was unexpected. Here lies the problem though – Quantum Theory only works in a space-time model with a flat geometry. The addition of the Newtonian physics of gravity creates bends and depressions in space-time. These depressions are not possible in Quantum Theory. At the same time, they are not possible to remove in (Macro Physics) General Relativity.

How much stranger can this get? (Micro Physics) Quantum Physics works. Not only can it describe the smallest particles of our universe, much of modern technology is based on its principles. Turning on a modern radio is proof of Quantum Mechanics. But (Macro Physics) General Relativity works as well. Time-space warping has conclusively been proven as well. Is this a mathematical mistake? Have two of the greatest minds in the history of science in reality both failed in their most important works?

Physicists say conclusively no. Hence, their exhaustive search for a Unifying Theory or what is called the (physics) Theory of Everything (ToE). What is missing for a (physics) ToE is the glue that melds these two models, or universes, together. If not a hard mathematical model, as it seems it is beyond math to explain, then a philosophical model. According to Planck and Einstein, the ToE would have to be simple and universal.

Infinite Potential

Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory Potentialism already describes such a unifying force. Birnbaum audaciously proposed (1988) that one ‘simple and universal’ dynamic -- the Quest for Infinite Potential -- drives creation and the laws of the universe. In the 26 years to date subsequent to Summa I no flaw has been discerned in the hypothesis.  Included in Potentialism theory is the understanding that the universe of tangible reality (our universe) emerged from a grander cosmos of non-tangible reality (eternal Infinite Potential).

According to conceptual theorist Birnbaum, Quest for Infinite Potential (operating in a grander cosmic context of non-tangible reality) harnessed the eternal equations of Physics-Math to ignite our (reality) universe (via the Big Bang). In turn this symbiotic dynamic – Infinite Potential in concert with the equations – is the catalyst for biogenesis, life as we know it, evolution and consciousness: et-al The elusive (five+ millenia) ‘designer’ is thus discerned.

Now how does this apply to ToE (Theory of Everything)? According to Potentialism Theory, all things in the entirety of the cosmic order are simultaneously (a) what it ‘is’ and (b) the potential for what it ‘can be.’ That is, for instance, a person both (a) exists and (b) within that person exists the potential for their legacy and the ramifications of their legacy; included in their legacy are there own and achievements of all the children and on and on – hence the term, Infinite Potential.

Birnbaum offers a schematic: Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential.
He suggests the shorthand notation Q4P, thus the schematic would be: Q4P (Q4P (Q4P
To be able to display the formula (and the universe) succinctly:  Q4P^∞

How does this conceptualization apply to physics?

Let’s take a classical example from Quantum Mechanics. Say we take a piece of lead and cut two slits in it and release photons towards it. Any individual photon might go through either slit. And photons are waves, so after they pass through the slits, they will collide and interfere with one another. Common sense so far. However, according to the Quantum Mechanical model, any individual photon passes through BOTH slits. This has been proven to be fact. In tests, an individual photon has been shown to interfere with itself as it simultaneously passes through both slits.

As disturbing as this phenomenon might sound, Potentialism doesn’t just explain this, it predicts it. On a quantum, sub-atomic level, it is easier to witness Potentiality by inference. As predicted, and indeed explained by Birnbaum, the photon has the Potential to travel through either slit, hence in the quantum dimension it ‘exists’ passing through both until it necessarily is realized.

Potentiality and Actuality

To put things more simply, (micro-level) Quantum Mechanics describes the Potentiality of objects, (macro-level) Relativity describes their Actuality. In physics, a quanta is the minimal amount of something for something to happen. For instance, how much energy must be applied to make an electron move from one state of excitement to another? There is no in-between on the quantum level. It will be at excitement state #1 until enough energy is applied for it to exist at excitement state #2.

In Potentiality terms, Quantum Mechanics describes what must happen for something to exist. This is Potentiality at its most basic. Something has the Potential to exist – whether it does or doesn’t. Some Quantum Mechanical phenomena simply give us an inferential glimpse at the states of Possibility. When they are observed directly and necessitated, they are actualized.

So why does Quantum Mechanics only recognize flat time-space and not curved time-space? Quantum Mechanics is in a threshold position between the quasi-metaphysical realm of Special Relativity, and the reality-realm of expressed Potentiality. General Relativity, in turn, is an actuality. It represents what the current universe is.

More than Physics

There is a veil between what ‘can be’ (the quasi-metaphysical) and what already ‘is’ (reality). Physicists are uncomfortable with this and understandably so. However, Potentialism is not only comfortable with this, it daringly predicts it (in rudimentary form back in 1988). Mathematical physics can only explain one part of the universe – what ‘is’ (reality). When it comes to what ‘can be’ – universal Potential (metaphysical and quasi-metaphysical) – it falls apart. Something more is needed.

The metaphysics of Potentialism leaves room for different universal rules for, respectively, Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. Saying that they must mathematically always agree limits Infinite Potential. It is necessary to understand that Quantum Mechanics physics is at the threshold between Potentiality and the Realization of the cosmological order; Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory is the bridge between the two.

Among other triumphs, Potentialism Theory resolves the hitherto intractable paradox noted at the very top of this piece. Thus although tucked into just one brief formula (Q4P∞ > C+ > E+), for lack of a more humble term, Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory is the hitherto elusive Theory of Everything.

Playing with Infinity

Posted on February 5, 2015 by MO

Three Key Embedded Infinities in Birnbaum’s signature concept – Quest for Potential?

David Birnbaum of Manhattan is the founder of Potentialism Theory (see PotentialiamTheory.com). The centerpiece of the theory is that one dynamic – and one dynamic alone – drives the Cosmic Order. The dynamic is hypothesized to be Quest for Potential^?. But exactly what is the infinity sign referring to?

Birnbaum knew that his theory would meet with resistance from the establishment academic community, and Birnbaum has hinted on more than one occasion that he did not want ‘to overload’ the doyens of Oxford and Cambridge.

On the surface, it would appear that the signature dynamic of Conceptual Theorist David Birnbaum’s

(proposed) core cosmic dynamic has just one infinity embedded in it. But does it not have at least three? On the basis of Birnbaum’s writings it would seem that we, indeed, have three:

1. Eternally infinite Quest for Potential
2. Infinitely nested Quest for Potential
3. Infinitely telescoping-forward in time Quest for Potential

Some terminology:

# The ‘cosmos’ refers to everything-everything, metaphysical and physical. The ‘universe’ refers to our own, known post-Big Bang physical universe.

# Q4P is the shorthand notation for Quest for Potential^?. See www.summametaphysica.com/logical-science/. Many keyboards do not have a readily-available infinity sign; therefore, for ease of communication the infinity sign has been dropped in the shorthand notation (but many deploy the infinity sign in the shorthand notation as well, in any event).

1) Eternally infinite – tracking-backwards – Quest for Potential

Physics:  Physics can describe the universe back to the Big Bang. Interestingly though, physics as we know it today, may have been ‘re-born’ at the Big Bang. Particle, quantum, Newtonian and relativity physics were most probably  de facto at a minimum ‘re-invented’ during those first initial moments.

Thus, it may be incorrect to state dogmatically that physics as we know it today is necessarily 100% eternal; indeed, it is a subject of debate. Birnbaum’s position is that primordial physics is eternal and was marshaled by Q4P to ignite the Cosmic Order; per metaphysicist Birnbaum, physics may or may not have morphed over time.

Potential: Hypothesized Potential is the only truly infinite and eternal cosmic dynamic. It is both ruler of the current cosmic order and the associated rules of physics. While the physics of the universe may have evolved, the eternally infinite eternal origin has not. Q4P is the “fire” which spawned universal creation and still governs it today – the universe’s quest to reach for its own ultimate Potential. See ExaminerPurpose.com.

Indeed, Quest for Potential^? is eternally infinite. Hence, Infinity #1 of the formula.

2) Infinitely nested Quest for Potential

Multi-generations of humans: The straightforward example of nesting is grandparent > parent > child > grandchild ad infinitum (hopefully); all the potentials down the road are nested within the grandparent.

Beyond humans: The cosmic dynamic is infinitely nested. One of the most interesting conceptualizations of Potentialism is that Potential must not only be pervasive throughout the cosmos but also infinitely nested from the micro to macro scale. See TTOE1000.com. Further Potentialism is defined in form by ever increasing complexity. (Birnbaum more precisely labels this Complexification (see complexfication1000.com).

Moving from the micro to macro, it is clear to see the undeniable raising in complexity at each step. Particles coalesce into atoms; these in turn coalesce into molecules and then compounds; and finally into planets and the stars themselves – which in turn are arranged in solar systems and the greater galaxies they are a part of. The systems continually grow larger and more complex.

Thus, infinitely embedded potentialities are a key component of Q4P. Hence, Infinity #2.

3) Infinitely telescoping-forward in time Quest for Potential^?

Potential itself is also inherently telescoping-forward to the forward reaches of time. One example would be the individual human. That single person contains all the Potential of what they can be in terms of growth and complexity. But a person also has the Potential to have children. Thus, within them is not only their own potential, but that of their children and their children’s children ad infinitum. An infinite potential within an infinite potential, nesting without end.

Interestingly, this “future potential” within each person allows Potential its telescoping effect forward in time. All things are both what they are and the infinite sum of what they may someday become. As Potential, this effect exists in all things, not just people. Even dust in the cold of space can someday coalesce into a star.

The stardust from exploding supernova stars ultimately coalesces into that single human just noted in the paragraph just above. We see the direct trajectory from the Big Bang > stars  >  humans >  to their potentially infinite line of descendants.

Further, due to its overarching nature, Potential is the most powerful force shaping the universe around us. It is infinitely nested, thus permeating all levels and scales. More importantly though, Potential is infinitely telescoping forward in time. This is a key to the true power of Potential.

Quest for Potential? telescopes infinitely forward in time. Hence, Infinity #3.

An unending universe of infinities

It can be seen that potential is both infinite and infinitely embedded in multiple ways. It is the eternally infinite eternal origin. As such, it is the only thing that can be truly said to have definitely existed before even the universe itself. This also makes it the only viable catalyst to have –somehow in some manifestation – crafted the cosmos as we know it.

Potential is the prime mover and alpha and omega of universal creation. Quest for Infinite Potential strives infinitely onward  stretching from eternal origins to the far reaches of time.

In December 2014 David Birnbaum was asked directly why he did not notate his concept ^?3 (super-superscript. He answered as follows: “There are, indeed, at least three infinities embedded in Quest for Potential – tracking backwards, nested, and telescoping forward; but we are not quite sure how to count them in formal mathematical terms; in any event, we might ultimately be surprised by the true number of embedded infinities; for the record, however, in principle I would have no problem with a super-superscript 3.”

editor’s note: Of course, the journals – online and other – would probably all overload from article  submissions with super-superscripts. As it is, the one superscript infinity ( ? ) causes considerable issues with the journals.