Shakespeare and Quantum Theory

[Dekan]

Shakespeare's works have been studied exhaustively for nearly four centuries. During this time, literary scholars have looked in them for hidden meanings. Meanings contained in cryptograms and codes, which might prove that the works were written not by Shakespeare, but by another author, such as Francis Bacon. These literary researches have not produced any convincing results.

 

However, have the works yet been searched for possible scientific content? This might lead to a more fruitful outcome.

 

I submit that certain Shakespearian writings, display a prescient knowledge of modern scientific theory. Specifically, of Quantum Theory.

 

What are the characteristics of Quantum Theory? Aren't they:

 

1. It has some "appalling" properties - which seem to confound natural "reason". Photons behave sometimes as particles, sometimes as waves.

A double nature, of a thing which has a single name. A photon, is neither one thing nor the other. When a photon traverses space, the division between particle and wave grows together into a kind of "compound".

 

2. Yet, QT works "well". It gives simple answers which are "concordant" with the results of practical experiments - so it is "true".

 

Now, in the light of the above, let's consider Shakespeare's quatrain poem, "The Phoenix and the Turtle":

 

Quatrains 10, 11 and part of 12 read as follows:

 

"Property was thus appalled,

That the self was not the same;

Single nature's double name

Neither two nor one was called.

 

Reason, in itself confounded,

Saw division grow together;

To themselves, yet either neither,

Simple were so well compounded.

 

That it cried: "How true a twain

Seemeth this concordant one!"

Isn't this compelling evidence of the Bard's not just literary, but scientific genius?

[swansont]

Is this the Texas sharpshooter fallacy or not the Texas sharpshooter fallacy, that is the question. I think this is full of sound and fury, but signifies nothing.