“... the broken symmetries of a higher dimensional space yield the
four big dimensions ... Perhaps the real world with its four big dimensions
corresponds to the broken but stable solutions to equations describing
the symmetries of a multidimensional geometry.” (Pagels, 1985, p.
8)
“Seven hidden dimensions of the universe ... have been proposed in a
theory that seeks to unify the forces of nature. ... (the seven
hidden dimensions) can be pictured as a small, compact structure such as
a sphere that is associated with every point in space and every moment
in time.” (Freedman, Nieuwenhuizen, Scientific American, March, 1985)
Profound new ideas have emerged in modern physics about
the dimensionality of existence. Traditionally, space has been considered
to have three dimensions, with time as a fourth dimension. Relativity
theory suggests a four dimensional space-time continuum. Quantum
particles, elements of matter and energy, composing the substance of material
objects of the world, exist within the four dimensional space-time continuum.
The space/time continuum and the matter/energy exist in a mutually complementary
manner; with space/time determining the gravitational motion of material
particles, and material particles acting to ‘curve’ space/time. Matter
and energy, time and space all emerged together at the first instant of
creation. Space and time provide a context or framework within which
transformations of matter and energy can occur.
However, the newer ideas in physics suggest that
the four ordinary dimensions of time and space are only the manifest dimensions.
Sometimes they are labeled the “four large dimensions” of space time–because
we experience our lives (seemingly) living within these dimensions.
Physicists now understand that the laws of nature evident within the four
large dimensions are dependent upon processes occurring in more subtle
“hidden compacted dimensions” which underlie these. As physicists
attempt to integrate the four forces of physics, additional dimensions
are required. The most advanced model of these “hidden dimensions,”
designed to explain the four laws of physics, is the eleven dimensional
Kaluza-Klein supergravity theory.
The eleven dimensional K. K. theory proposes that
every point in four dimensional space-time is rooted into a seven dimensional
inner hyperspace. The four large dimensions are visible, while the
seven hidden dimensions are curled up inside the four dimensional framework,
and hence are referred to as “hidden.” These hidden dimensions are
also called “compacted dimensions,” because they are on a sub-quantum level
of differentiation. In the Freedman-Nieuwenhuizen quote from Scientific
American, any point in space and every moment in time is regarded as based
upon a “small compacted structure such as a sphere” –which sphere is seven
dimensional. Physicists have arrived at such bizarre ideas in their attempt
to explain the four known laws of physics as being derived from one primary
law–the hypothetical “superforce.” This superforce acts within a
seven dimensional hyperspace to produce the laws of nature.
The ultimate theory of the superforce, or of a unified
quantum field theory, is often described as the holy grail of science.
Popular science accounts refer to this theory as the U.T.E., or the Ultimate
Theory of Everything. Eleven dimensional K. K. theory is one
proposal for the ultimate physical theory, as are related multidimensional
superstring theories.
These are much more complex theories than can be
addressed adequately at this time. Modern physicists basically regard
the laws of physics as resulting from “broken symmetries” within higher
dimensional space. In the beginning, the quantum vacuum was in a
state of perfect symmetry, until a random fluctuation broke this symmetry
leading to the differentiation of the forces of nature and the quantum
particles which mediate these forces. As Pagels explains in the opening
quotation, “the broken symmetries of a higher dimensional space yield the
four big dimensions.” He then refers to “the symmetries of multidimensional
geometry”as underlying “the real world.” Ideas concerning higher
dimensional spaces, or hyperspace, and broken symmetries have become a
mainstay in the new physics.
The quantum vacuum, on a very low level of differentiation,
at the level of Planckian units, is a space-time foam, having an
inner, hidden nature which scientists are trying to grasp. Any particles
or forces which emerge out of this hyperspace can be regarded as due to
broken symmetries in hyperspace. These models of physics extend a
geometric framework into hyperspace dimensions.
In Superforce: The Search for a Grand Unified
Theory of Nature, Paul Davies, provides an inspiring description of
the universe as it appears in the new models of the geometry of hidden,
higher dimensionality spaces:
“All the forces of nature are revealed as nothing more than hidden
geometry at work. ... There is a deep compulsion to believe in the idea
that the entire universe, including all the apparently concrete matter
that assails our senses, is in reality only a frolic of convoluted nothingness,
that in the end the world will turn out to be a sculpture of pure emptiness,
a self-organizing void. Geometry was the midwife of science (for
early astronomers), and now, we have come full circle, and the forces and
fields are themselves being explained in terms of geometry.” (1984,
p.161-2)
Davies describes the universe as a “sculpture of pure emptiness” and as
emerging out of a “self-organizing void.” This is the direction in
which science has moved–towards the study of the quantum vacuum and hidden
dimensions. The void appears to have a dimensionality and organizing
nature latent within the apparent nothingness. Creation involves
the manifestation within/without of the principles latent within the hyperspace
of the vacuum. Recall the physicist’s comment that “all of evolution
is in the vacuum.”
When it comes to explaining why the universe might
happen to be founded on such a seven dimensional hyperspace, Davies raises
some interesting questions concerning the meaning of it all:
“When numbers occur naturally in the world, it is tempting to search
for meaning behind them. Sometimes they seem to be purely accidental,
as with the number of planets in our solar system. Other naturally
occurring numbers suggest a deeper significance. ... Is the dimensionality
of spacetime merely an accident ...? Or is it a pointer to a profound
truth about the logical and mathematical structure of the physical world.”
(1984, p. 163)
Is there indeed some hidden seven dimensional layering within the
root principles of creation–in the apparent void or hyperspace? Perhaps
such patterns of existence are pre-existent in non-existence! Or
perhaps this would just be another random feature of the accidental universe.
The scientists’ search to unify the laws of physics
has lead to hidden space/time dimensions, wherein all elements and forces
are ultimately derivatives of one superparticle or superforce–a god like
superparticle, or superforce, or superstring. It is no wonder
that Carl Sagan cannot see God micro-intervening in the opening of the
morning glory. The micro-intervention occurs from within/without
at a level where physical differentiation begins. How subtle might
be the Lord that he/she does not have to say, “Hey, flower, open,” but
instead simply sculpts the void.
Microcosm/Macrocosm
