Dynamism (M.R.M. Parrott)

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Dynamism (see Dynamism for encyclopedic information) is a series of treatises in Philosophy by M.R.M. Parrott, addressing subjects from Quantum Mechanics, to Cosmology, and everything in between, such as a Theory of Life, Subjectivity, Ethics, and Large-Scale Networks. Dynamism is being published as a set of free ebooks, available from mrmparrott.com through rimric press. These GetWiki pages are intended for presentation of the material and discussion of the issues.

On a general level, the series is meant to elucidate a consistent and rational Philosophy for an increasingly complicated age, an age riddled with double-speak, pet theory, irrational discourse, political infighting, and shallow marketing. Indeed, it is in the face of such pervasive cynicism, even soullessness, within our intellectual culture that we find need for true diversity the most. Historically, there are only a handful of Philosophies which can be used to support diversity along with acceptance, equality, without sacrificing truth. Such general, theoretical and ethical, principles have governed this work on Dynamism: Debate is encouraged.

series prologue (selection)

"...A rather glorious philosophical approach, favouring alteration and complexity over stasis and simplicity, Dynamism itself has a long history. Yet, our static construction site metaphor seems to lack two elements crucial to Dynamism, change and power. Among others, of course, these notions are to be addressed by this series, and it should become clear that our static metaphor provides a necessary image of incompleteness, one which we will have to complete through the theories expounded in the volumes to follow. Dynamic notions such as change and power are among the general foundations of Dynamism through the history of ideas, so we would do well to describe more of what is intended by our use of the term.

"Elements of Dynamism can certainly be found from the ancient roots of Philosophy, from Hindu and Buddhist religious teachings, to Greek Philosophers Empedocles, Heraclitus and Parmenides, and the detailed development of potency from Aristotle. We can follow Western strains of it through the Atomists Leucippus and Democritus, to the Neo-Platonist Plotinus, and through Medieval figures, such as Avicenna and Bacon, through Mechanism versions from Descartes and Hobbes, to Spinoza's Expression, and eventually to Leibniz's seventeenth century uses of the term as a new Science and his eighteenth century Monadology. We can then follow many hints of dynamist ideas throughout the Enlightenment and nineteenth century.

"Eventually, we find a more widespread general adoption of the term, both from scientists such as Dalton, and in French Philosophy through Bergson and others. Dynamism also appears in twentieth century guise as Process Philosophy, through Santayana and Whitehead, and in artworks, such as those of Boccioni, and even in the Cubist works of Picasso and Brach. It can therefore be loosely argued of many works, in Philosophy, Science and Art, that a certain dynamism pervades their theoretical underpinnings, even when those philosophers, scientists and artists would not necessarily accept the label itself. This is because the most basic premise of Dynamism, that all things are in motion and flux, has been accepted by far wider audiences than has the term. Our use of the term for this series is to accent this historical and international basis within the approach we are to take..."

- selection courtesy M.R.M. Parrott

volume i: force

Volume I: Force: Quantum Mechanics and Ontology
(mrmparrott.com/philosophy-science/, ISBN 0-9746106-1-5, February 2005)

A treatise on dynamist Ontology and Quantum Mechanics, first in a series on Dynamism as a complete Philosophy. Written in fits and starts over 2001-2004, this first volume was finally completed right at the end of 2004, and published early in 2005.

The book discusses the basis for accepting Quantum Mechanics and Harmonics, Loop Quantum Gravity, and Spin Networks as the best paradigms for understanding the Ontology of Dynamism. This ontological level does not allow for the fantastic, mystical, and illogical theories which seem to be popular, such as String Theory or Intelligent Design. This dynamist "thin Ontology" is not exactly comforting, but it is also not patently wrong.

Prologue: Dynamic Fields Volume I: Force

Preface
Introduction: Quantum Unity

I. Indefiniteness

Difficult Positions

Uncertain Fates

Continuous Change

II. Transformation

Becoming Gravity

Entangled Computation

Strings Attached

III. Temporality

Timely Discussion

Spatial Relatives

Beautiful Traveler

IV. Harmonics

Spherical Music

Sympathetic Vibrations

Questionable Unity

V. Multiplicity

Networked Spin

Dark Matters

Force Multipliers

VI. Ontology

Elegant Models

Collision Insurance

Structural Causes

Conclusion: Force Dynamism

Theoretical Overview

Addressing Objections

Indeterminacy Non-Fundamental

Transformation Non-Specific

Time Exists

Harmonics Non-Standard

Vague Multipliers

Ontology Irrelevant

Concluding Thoughts

Special Effects

Future Contingents

in development...

Volume II: Life: Biological Life and Bioethics
Volume III: Mind: Epistemology, Aesthetics and Ethics
Volume IV: Network: Natural and Network Systems, Stewardship
Volume V: Purpose: Cosmological Structure and Metaphysics

external links

see Dictionary for definition
mrmparrott.com