In this blog post, we explore the possibility of applying theories of the microscopic world, such as quantum mechanics, to the macroscopic world, and how this could be used to predict or change the future society.
The world we live in is a macroscopic world that can be distinguished visually. In other words, we live in a world where we can distinguish objects by receiving photons emitted from them and recognizing them with our eyes. However, due to the limitations of our eyes and the fact that the microscopic world, such as atoms, is as small as photons, we know nothing about it. The rapid development of physics in the 20th century led to the exploration of the microscopic world and the birth of numerous microscopic theories that cannot be applied to the macroscopic world. However, since these microscopic theories were ultimately created by humans in the macroscopic world, they may be theories that can be applied to the macroscopic world from a different perspective.
Such scientific exploration originated from human curiosity and imagination. Ancient philosophers explored the fundamental principles of the universe and nature by imagining a world invisible to the eye. Modern physics continues this tradition and explores the microscopic world through scientific methodology and advanced technology. Disciplines such as quantum mechanics play an essential role in understanding the basic properties of matter, which has had a profound impact on the development of modern technology.
Humans establish universal theories by constructing theories based solely on reasoning about the microscopic world that is invisible to our eyes and then proving these theories through experiments. To date, numerous theories explaining the microscopic world have been proposed through such reasoning and experiments, forming a single academic discipline called quantum mechanics. In quantum mechanics, all particles do not exist in a fixed position like in the macroscopic world, but exist probabilistically. This is because if we measure a particle α at a certain moment in an experiment, it will be measured at a different location at another moment, and the measured value will continue to change moment by moment. From this, all calculations in quantum mechanics are calculated as probability wave functions (the probability of a quantum being in a certain state), and the results of the calculations are also probabilities.
So how do we infer the microscopic world? Since we cannot see or touch the microscopic world, we assume that it is a system similar to the macroscopic world, and measure energy and momentum by reading the values that occur when we apply operators such as energy and momentum to that system. For example, the basic principle of Schrödinger’s equation, which explains the whole of quantum mechanics, is that when an energy operator is applied to a system in the microscopic world, the energy value produced by that system can be measured. In addition, in order to measure the momentum of a particle in the microscopic world, we assume a system of particles and measure the momentum by applying changes using momentum operators. In this way, humans in the macroscopic world explore the microscopic world by establishing theories based on assuming a probabilistic system and measuring the values obtained by applying changes to that system using operators.
However, this scientific approach is not limited to physical phenomena. Theories of the microscopic world also influence other academic fields such as philosophy, biology, and chemistry. For example, quantum biology is an attempt to explain life phenomena by applying the principles of quantum mechanics to biological systems. Such a convergent approach serves to pioneer new fields of research and expand existing knowledge systems.
So, do these theories of the microscopic world apply only to the microscopic world? In fact, the macroscopic world we live in is just as unpredictable as the microscopic world. We cannot accurately predict the future, nor can we know where and when something will happen. This can be understood in terms of probability, and humans in the macroscopic world think about it in terms of possibilities. This is similar to the assumption in quantum mechanics that the state of a particle is represented by a probability wave function. Then, can we measure something in the macroscopic world by assuming a probabilistic system like the microscopic world and applying changes to that system? For example, if we assume the probability of crime occurring in a city as a probability wave function, as in the theory of the microscopic world, and apply an operator that causes crime, we can predict in advance the time and location where crime is most likely to occur.
The important thing here is how to determine the “operator that causes crime” used in this method. This is a very difficult task and must be done by considering statistical data collected over many years and the characteristics of the city. If we can develop operators that can change the macro world in this way, we will be able to predict the future probabilistically. Applying theories from the micro world to the macro world would be very beneficial to us, but the biggest challenge is creating operators that can change the system in the same way as in the micro world.
In modern times, humans in the macro world have repeatedly explored and investigated the micro world and put forward numerous theories to explain phenomena that are difficult to explain in the macro world. However, will those theories necessarily apply only to the micro world? Perhaps the theories that have been developed over decades of research into the micro world will change the macro world rather than the micro world. In fact, the macro world and the micro world can be seen as relative concepts. If there are aliens who do not see 1 meter as a unit of measurement like we do, but rather thousands or hundreds of kilometers as 1 meter, then perhaps the world we consider to be the macro world is the micro world from the perspective of those aliens. If we explore the micro world from the perspective of aliens, we may eventually explore the Earth we live on.
Furthermore, the application of microcosm theories to the macrocosm is not merely theoretical speculation, but has the potential to lead to practical applications. For example, quantum computers are a new type of computer that processes information using the principles of quantum mechanics. If this technology becomes a reality, we will be able to experience the amazing possibilities of quantum mechanics in the macrocosm as well.
What do you think? Ultimately, even though we are exploring the micro world, isn’t it actually an exploration of the macro world in which we live? If we apply the theories of the micro world that have been developed over more than 100 years to the macro world in which we live, might we not be able to produce even more amazing results than we have ever imagined? By expanding the boundaries of scientific inquiry, we will be able to achieve deeper understanding and innovation.
