This essay puts forward a theory of existence that takes its cue from both contemporary physics and Indian Vedanta. The quantum statistics of indistinguishable particles strongly suggests that the “ultimate” constituents of matter, considered out of relation to each other, are identical in the strong sense of numerical identity. This makes it possible to identify each fundamental particle with the vedantic brahman, which relates to the world in a threefold manner: as a substance constituting it (sat), as a consciousness containing (...) it (chit), and as an infinite quality/delight expressing and experiencing itself in finite forms and movements (ananda). The fundamental identity of sat with chit makes it possible to understand how anything material can exist for anything material. The fundamental identity of sat with ananda holds the clue to the free will conundrum. A discussion of a series of vedantically possible worlds solves these problems by showing how they arise and how they become hard. An examination of our place in the vedantic scheme of things at this particular juncture of the drama of evolution is followed by a speculation about the drama’s dénouement. (shrink)

The problem of making sense of quantum mechanics is as much a psychological problem as it is a physical one. There is a conflict between (i) the spatiotemporal structure of the quantum world and (ii) the manner in which the phenomenal world is constructed by our minds and/or brains. Both are examined in detail. Unlike the quantum world, the phenomenal world conforms to the cookie cutter paradigm, according to which the synchronic multiplicity of the world rests on surfaces that carve (...) up space much as cookie cutters carve up rolled-out pastry. The attempt to model the physical world in conformity with this paradigm gives rise to pseudo-problems that foil our attempts at making sense of the quantum world. The fact that quantum mechanics, the fundamental theoretical framework of contemporary physics, is essentially an algorithm for calculating the probabilities of measurement outcomes does indeed give rise to genuine problems, but their solution requires the rejection of unwarranted assumptions rather than the making of further such assumptions. The place of causal stories in a world governed by quantum laws is examined, and it is argued that presentism is inconsistent not only with the “block universe” of special relativity but also with the other corner stone of contemporary physics, quantum mechanics. Finally, the conclusions of this essay are situated within the context of the Vedantic theory of existence set forth in a companion essay [Particles, Consciousness, Volition: A Vedantic Vision]. (shrink)