Chapter 1: The Intersection of Consciousness and Physics

Delve into the significant thoughts of Professor David Bohm from a 1990 interview, where he explores the complex relationships between consciousness, physics, and philosophy. He articulates his views on Wholeness and the Implicate Order.

William M. Angelos: I'd like to revisit the topic of a "Coherent Culture," which seems to be lacking these days. To finish our earlier discussion regarding your work in Physics and Consciousness, I would like to ask about your book, "Wholeness and the Implicate Order."

David Bohm: "Wholeness and the Implicate Order" represents a deeper exploration of these ideas. My curiosity about consciousness emerged in the late 1940s, particularly regarding causality. I was influenced by thinkers in Berkeley who were examining Dialectical Materialism, emphasizing constant change and interrelationship rather than static concepts, which resonated with my perspective.

William M. Angelos: It sounds like an effort to merge Science and Religion.

David Bohm: Exactly, they aimed to integrate scientific inquiry with spiritual concerns. I spent time in Brazil, where I encountered Mario Schönberg, who encouraged me to read Hegel's work. Hegel’s emphasis on observing thought as a process aligned closely with my interests.

William M. Angelos: So, you were more focused on the process of thought rather than its content?

David Bohm: Yes, indeed. My reflections even while crossing a stream were about the process rather than the physical act. A sudden shift in perception allowed me to cross easily, highlighting how thought is a process rather than a static entity.

William M. Angelos: This leads back to Hegel.

David Bohm: Yes, Hegel noted that thought evolves through a process. He proposed the dynamic interplay of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, although he limited his focus to concepts.

William M. Angelos: Was this a narrow view of thought?

David Bohm: Yes, while he recognized thought as a process, his focus was quite limited compared to my broader perspective.

William M. Angelos: You were starting to feel uneasy about the direction of Physics during the late 1950s and early 1960s?

David Bohm: Yes, I perceived Physics as overly focused on calculations and results. The emphasis on statistical outcomes led to a dismissal of deeper understanding.

Beyond Limits – An Interview Covering Bohm's Life Work This video showcases a conversation that dives deep into the essence of Bohm's work and his perspectives on consciousness and science.

William M. Angelos: Did this mindset reflect a broader cultural trend?

David Bohm: Certainly, the post-war era seemed to prioritize results over understanding. I struggled with this and sought to develop a more comprehensive cosmology, but many physicists found it puzzling.

William M. Angelos: You had discussions with Einstein; did he support your views?

David Bohm: Yes, Einstein encouraged the pursuit of a deeper reality, beyond mere calculations. However, many rejected my ideas, fearing they lacked empirical results.

Chapter 2: The Influence of Krishnamurti

In the 1960s, I encountered the work of Krishnamurti, which intrigued me due to his notion of "the observer and the observed."

William M. Angelos: Isn't this concept rooted in Heisenberg's work?

David Bohm: Yes, both Heisenberg and Bohr explored this connection, revealing the indivisible link between the observer and the observed, paralleling thought and quantum processes.

Conversation with Professor David Bohm In this video, Bohm discusses his exploration of consciousness and its relation to quantum physics, offering profound insights into reality.

William M. Angelos: So, your discussions with Krishnamurti led to the concept of Implicate Order?

David Bohm: Indeed, he encouraged me to think deeply about these ideas, and I began to develop the notion of the Implicate Order, where one thought "implies" another, folding and unfolding in consciousness.

William M. Angelos: Can you explain the term "implicate"?

David Bohm: "Implicate" comes from the Latin root meaning "to enfold." When we discuss thoughts, one thought enfolds another, leading to a broader understanding.

William M. Angelos: And this can be related to quantum mechanics?

David Bohm: Yes, we can visualize an electron as both a wave and a particle, where its behavior reflects the enfolding and unfolding processes in the universe.

William M. Angelos: Is this concept linked to the term "quantum leap"?

David Bohm: Yes, indeed! The idea of a quantum leap suggests a creative process that reflects both thought and physical phenomena.

William M. Angelos: So, your work aims to bridge the gap between consciousness and matter?

David Bohm: Exactly. The Implicate Order connects consciousness and existence, revealing a deeper understanding of reality.

William M. Angelos: Does this align with the current scientific pursuit of a "Theory of Everything"?

David Bohm: While a Unified Theory is valuable, we must recognize that all theories are merely reflections of our understanding, not absolute truths.

William M. Angelos: This perspective seems to challenge the current scientific worldview.

David Bohm: Indeed, our understanding is always evolving. What we perceive as reality may be just shadows on the cave wall, as Plato suggested.

William M. Angelos: So, the key is recognizing that these shadows, while not the ultimate reality, can still shed light on our understanding?

David Bohm: Exactly. The essence of reality remains elusive, and our quest for knowledge must acknowledge that deeper layers exist beyond our current perceptions.