A Complex Metaphysical Conundrum...

Hi all, I once believed that UHF(and beyond) RF electronics was the most technically challenging hobby there is. Period. However, I've since read about some chap who claims his principal 'hobby' is Quantum Mechanics! This fellow is in prison somewhere in the UK and all his 'work' is *entirely* theoretical (obviously - given the confined circumstances) and consists of the academic pursuit of the subject alone including heaps of serious number-crunching and formidably cryptic calculus. The complex, metaphysical conundrum that arises from this is: can QM (highly theoretical even if you actually work hands-on with particle accelerators) ever be accurately described as a 'hobby?' What does the Panel think? p.

Reply to
paul
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I guess a guy in his circumstances... could consider that a hobby.

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Reply to
Professor

Andy writes:

I think that talking incessantly about a subject that one can't prove by demonstration shows an inferiority complex. The dude is afraid to argue a subject whose results can be proven....

Just like arguing Catholicism versus Buddha --- an interesting way , for some, to waste their time. But no way to be proven wrong.......

If the fellow's mind was as good as the fellow seems to think it is , himself, he wouldn't be afraid to approach subjects where he could be shown in error.....

I bet the SOB has never changed the oil in his own truck.....I bet if he tried, he would mess it up.....

Andy in Eureka, Texas

Reply to
AndyS

Quantum mechanics is a science - you don't *prove* anything. You make theories to explain data obtained by experiment, and verify the predictions of these theories with more experiments. Anyone looking for a subject whose results can be proven should stick to maths (another good choice for people stuck in prison!). But as a science, QM is solid (if somewhat difficult) - just because the guy in prison can't personally verify any predictions he comes up with, doesn't mean they can't be verified by others. After all, much of the theory is developed by people at universities, not just the more "practical" scientists working with particle accelerators and the like.

Given that you apparently know nothing about quantum mechanics, what subjects were you thinking of?

So what? Is that some sort of red-neck test of manhood?

Reply to
David

=================================== Paul , Is there not a more appropriate NG for this topic ?

Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH

Reply to
Highland Ham

If you define a hobby as some pursuit you do in your spare time then I guess the answer has to be yes.

Ian

Reply to
Ian Bell

One on the topic sure it is a hooy

to Hihgland Ham

yes I am sure this but it is better than the swill posting though at least one the gruops it gt droped in

Reply to
an old friend

David wrote:>

***** I was thinking of ways of improving the flakiness of biscuits. Also a more efficient way of skinning rabbits....
****** Yes. If you can't do the basic essentials of life, you shouldn't be screwing around with theory of the universe.........

Andy in Eureka, Texas

( If the home ed teacher in your local high school wears a pink hooter hoister, you might live in Eureka, Texas )

Reply to
Andy
[snip...snip...]

No, the red-neck test of manhood is to fish the oil drain plug out of the bucket of hot oil, bare-handed. It doesn't count unless the oil is elbow deep and from a hot engine. ;-)

--
Rich Webb   Norfolk, VA
Reply to
Rich Webb

It is a hobby if you're a physics Ph.D. who can't get an academic job :)

There are people who do astronomical computing (calculation of orbits, etc.) as a hobby. I suppose this is similar.

Reply to
mc

One on the topic sure it is a hooy

to Hihgland Ham

yes I am sure this but it is better than the swill posting though at least one the gruops it gt droped in

/././.

Speak English, you ill-educated retard.

Reply to
Lloyd

Well, I know that some people persue mathematics as a "hobby". Nothing could be less hands-on, but it's a hobby nonetheless.

Tim

--
Deep Fryer: a very philosophical monk.
Website: http://webpages.charter.net/dawill/tmoranwms
Reply to
Tim Williams
[snip...snip...]

No, the red-neck test of manhood is to fish the oil drain plug out of the bucket of hot oil, bare-handed. It doesn't count unless the oil is elbow deep and from a hot engine. ;-)

--
Rich Webb   Norfolk, VA

an  then you rub the oil in your hair to keep it shiny
Reply to
an old friend

And just how often do you need to change the universe's oil, anyway? ;-)

--
Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I\'ve got my DD214 to
prove it.
 Click to see the full signature
Reply to
Michael A. Terrell

Aha, quantum tunneling eh?

Reply to
Roger

Andy comments: Yes.... but a true redneck doesn't use a bucket..... (grin)

Andy in Eureka, Texas

( If you've ever bet your buddy that you could shoot a beer can off his head, you might live in Eureka, Texas )

Reply to
Andy

Errmm! Some scientists claims the Universe is slowing down - The Oil Maintenance is obviously overdue as the friction is to high!

Dan / M0DFI

Reply to
Dan Andersson

The universe isn't slowing down, its just that these young scientists have no patience! ;-)

--
Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I\'ve got my DD214 to
prove it.
 Click to see the full signature
Reply to
Michael A. Terrell

how was wether or not quantum mechcanics is hobby a "A Complex Metaphysical Conundrum..."

Reply to
an old freind

When all else fails, read the instructions:

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Good Luck! Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise, Plainclothes Hippi

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