Let's use your double slit/path integral argument.

When we integrate over all possible paths we find an interference pattern. Some paths are fit to survive the environment challenge posed by the double slit and others self desstruct, even on a photon by photon basis. That is a fair analogy for the operation of natural selection. Some paths are fit and others are not. BTW, I think this proves that waves exist and collapse into photons at the detector.

Now to extend this analogy to extinction. Extinction is as if we suddenly changed the environment say by closing one of the slits, or more subtly by just detecting which slit a photon goes through. (by collapsing one set of waves at the slit)

In that case the entire interference pattern is lost. The analogy breaks down in that every path through the other slit now survives. I guess the better analogy would be to close both slits. Then no path survives.

So I do not think it is correct to apply the idea of natural selection to such catastrophic events that entire species and 80-90% of all life are destroyed.

By the way, have you followed the public TV programs on the supervolcano underneathh all of Yellow Stoned Park. That will not be a nice day.

YHS,

Richard

• RE: fallacies applying particle physics to biological evolution - carefuluniverse - October 19, 2004 - 19:23 UTC
• Path integral and natural selection - harvey1 - October 19, 2004 - 20:22 UTC
  • I notice Harv won't address objections directly - carefuluniverse - October 20, 2004 - 17:17 UTC
  • Repend & Rejoice Harv: We got this far w/out knowing anything! - kantolfir2 - October 25, 2004 - 05:54 UTC