The science is entering post non-classical period. This period is characterized with
establishing evolutionary-synergetic type of rational. The central moment of which is
research of complex nonlinear systems. The finest aspect of the appropriate consideration
has the Universe as a self-organizing object. Cosmological aspect of formation of the new
scientific research program, new paradigm in science, ontological formation of them in an
adequate post-non-classical scientific picture of the world has the paramount meaning. It
can be said that during the last two-three decades the physics has made a revolutionary
turn on the way to the new representations of the nature of the elementary particles, and
has revealed unexpected features of the physical vacuum. As a result that has determined
evolving Universe as the basic subject of studying in physics. It is important to
distinguish two basic aspects of development of modern physics. The first of them is, that
the physics has closely approached to the program of construction of the one theory of the
field. The second important aspect, in essence is, that two different in the past branches
of knowledge — physics of elementary particles and cosmology
have completely joined together. The evolving Universe has become an object of research of
physics of elementary particles, while the interpretation of the newly offered theories of
elementary particles without fail pass the check on cosmological full value. It is most
vividly displayed through the modern inflationary models of the evolution of the Universe,
within the framework of which it is possible to solve the majority of cosmological
problems. The inflationary scenarios give a new to look on a place of the physical vacuum
in the structure of the physics theory. This, in turn, requires the methodological
analysis of the problem of the physical vacuum and defining of its status in the structure
of the natural science. The new features of the vacuum require the development of the
deeper definition of concept within the framework of the post-non-classical approach;
that, in turn, should stimulate transition to post-non-classical basis of scientific
search in the cosmology.
The concept of "vacuum" is such a non empirical and conceptual formation that
it plays a role of the systematizing element in the structure of the physical theory. For
the deeper understanding of the new features of the vacuum, revealed by the science at the
present stage of development, it is necessary to carry out the following problems: 1) to
investigate socially-cultural origin of this fundamental concept, that is to look for the
sources of entry of the concept "vacuum" in a science; 2) to study its
functioning in the logic of scientific knowledge at the various stages of development of
physics; 3) to develop more adequate to modern representations definition of the concept.
The decision of these problems will allow to state a question on consideration of physical
vacuum as an initial abstraction in the physical theory, that is according to Hegel ideals
of construction of scientific knowledge to try to define "what the physical science
begins with."
Although it has a Greek origin and at the beginning of its birth was called
"kenos," in science, "emptiness" has taken roots under a Latin name
"vacuum." For the first time "emptiness" as the scientific term, used
for construction of the picture of the universe, occurs in cosmology of Democritus
alongside with atoms as the cause of the total essence. The formation of the concept of
"emptiness" as the basic term of the Democritus’ physics has its roots in
Ionic and Ellyn philosophical schools of Ancient Greece.
The central aspect of Ionic philosophy is the search of the first cause of the existing
world. However the idea of existing empty - non-existence not yet discussed by them.
Different substances in their particular forms were considered as the first cause. Fales
was looking for it in water, Heraclitus was looking for it in fire, and Anacksimen was
looking for it in the air. In the philosophy of Anacksimader it was more abstract: it was
apeiron — boundless, immortal global embryo, with all of the
attributes of the material element but at the same time divine. From a position of modern
physics it is possible to tell, that apeiron in a greater degree than kenon, corresponds
to the vacuum of the modern physical theory. The introduction of apeiron will transform a
question, stated in the Ionic philosophy about the beginning of total essence. The new
representation of it says that the beginning cannot be connected to a specific object, and
should be uncertain and boundless. In attempt to solve the difficulties in philosophy of
Anacksimander Heraclitus proclaims unity of existence with non-existence. Thus, the
prototype of the future Democritus’s "emptiness"-"non-existence,"
"nothing" had been distinguished. Namely these concepts (existence and non
existence) become subjects of reflection in the philosophy of Eleates.
Paramenides allocates existence with the predicates of unity, eternal, constant, and
motionless. The world of existence and the world of feelings in his philosophy are
opposed: to each other. The world of existence — is the true
world and is the only one accessible for cognition; the world of feelings
— is the world visible, the world of opinion, and inaccessible for cognition,
untrue. Plurality and movement are the characteristics of the world of feelings.
Paramenides denies any connection between unity and plurality. A central moment of his
philosophy is the proof of existing single, thus stating the validity of existence.
However the contradictions, put by Ionic philosophy, the contradictions between one and
qualitative variety of real things in philosophy of Anacksimander, the contradictions
between transition from existence to non existence and the opposite in the process of
formation in philosophy of Heraclitus; such contradictions are out of consideration, and
simply are eliminated by the stating the one and denying of many as non true.
The theory of Levkip - Democritus is, first of all, an attempt of the decision of
problems of the one and many, existence and non existence, opportunity of movement, put
forward by Eleates. If Eleates recognized the uniqueness of existence, Democritus entered
in consideration multiple existence of atoms, having the same logic essence, as
Paramenides’s existence. Just as the "one" of Paramenides, the individual
(the atom) of Democritus is deprived of internal distinctions, self identical, and
consequently is indivisible, is constant, and is eternal. The existence of emptiness is
postulated by Democritus for the purposes of the decision of a problem of a movement: the
movement is reduced to the elementary transference of atoms in the emptiness. Thus the
emptiness by Democritus enters his doctrine as the first cause on equal rights with atoms.
Plato also recognizes non-existence, however unlike atomistics his non-existence is not
identified with an emptiness. It is a "matter" which Plato names as "the
third kind ", and also "the godmother," "the wet-nurse." The
matter is opposed to existence by Plato. The existence which is only ideal. Plato tries to
solve a problem of the one and the many in philosophy of Paramenides. For that he
introduces three kinds of a reality: existence (ideas), space (the matter, coming into
being) and occurrence (sphere of feeling existence). The cardinal thesis of continuos
program of Aristotle was denial of emptiness and establishment of uninterrupted nature of
space, time and movement. The idea of a continuity was put in a basis of exact natural
science of New time and remained firm until the discovery by Planck.
What place has the representation about emptiness, rejected b Aristotle, occupied in a
science New of the time? It is known, that Galilee recognized presence of macro-spaces and
tried on a basis of postulating their existence to solve the problem of hardness and
durability physical bodies. A recognition by him of existence of emptiness allows him to
explain equal speeds of falling of various bodies mentally eliminating the resistance of
environment. The resistance of the environment is considered as an insignificant part of
the laws of physics. That determines a moment of occurrence of a research experiment,
including idealization of the physical situation. The representation about emptiness was
also the physical precondition of the theory of an inertial movement. So the question of
emptiness was not idle at formation of the physical theory, and was one of those initial
notions, on the basis of which a building of Newton’s mechanics was erected. By
joining the idea of an inertial movement with the laws of gravitation have allowed Newton
to construct a strong theory, connecting to the mechanic Galilee and the laws of movement
of the planets by Kepler. As the basis of the hierarchical structure of the substance
Newton puts Democritus’s atom. The image of it is transformed in "a priming
image" of a "particle", and is a nucleus of theoretical image of a material
point as an elementary object of the Newton’s mechanics. Another ‘priming
image’ the physics of Newton keeps the concept of "emptiness." The
representation about emptiness is connected by Newton with existence of an absolute space.
The ground for the introduction by Newton of the absolute space was in impossibility to
explain the presence of forces of inertia by interaction of bodies. That has resulted in
representation by him of the forces of inertia, caused by acceleration of bodies in
relation to absolutely empty space. The introduction of absolute time, that is time, not
dependent on a movement, is based on a postulate of long-range interaction
— postulate about instant distribution of interactions. Absolute space and
absolute time appear in the mechanics of Newton as something, different from the matter
and, undoubtedly, as something opposite to an ether. It must be mentioned that concepts of
vacuum and ether are not identical concepts. From their very
occurrence they corresponded to the different representations about the material world.
During the New time developed by Descartes the geometrical method of study of a nature, in
a basis of which lays representation about matter and space being identical, postulates
the existence of an ether and denial of emptiness as a non-material extent. The theory of
an ether has played an essential role in development of the concept of the field. The
following circumstance is quite interesting: the field in quality of "priming
nucleus" of the theories arises as the development of idea of an ether, asserting a
principle short-range interaction, rejecting representation about emptiness, about vacuum.
Further destiny of these concepts will result in denying existence of an ether and will
develop representation about vacuum as the lowest energetic condition of the already
quantum field. The idea of absolutely empty space will join with the representation about
a motionless ether as an absolute system of readout. However the special theory of
relevance eliminates the ether, because it also eliminates "absolutely resting
space," allocated with the special properties. Being expelled from the physical
theory, ether will carry away with itself both the concept of long-range interaction and
the concept of the absolute space and absolute time. Thus, the epoch of a classical
science is finished by the statement in structure of the natural science of an emptiness
as "non-existence," "nothing." Alongside with the emptiness, the
matter in its two kinds - the substance and the field is present in the structure of the
physical theory.
Non-classical stage of development of natural science is marked by the introduction in
physics a constant "h" by Planck, creation of the quantum mechanics, revealing
of a statistical nature of micro objects, development of a principle of physical integrity
(relevance of the properties of the micro-objects to macro conditions). Just at this stage
due to development of the quantum theory of a field is the genuine birth of the vacuum as
the physical object. The concept of physical vacuum passes here the way from absolute
"nothing", emptiness, to a representation about a condition of the matter, in
which there is nothing only on average, in which there are constant processes of birth and
destruction of every possible particles, quantum of fields. This mysterious
"something" is by the name of "Nothing." Thus, in the physical and
other encyclopedic dictionaries there is fixed definition of the vacuum as the basic
concept of the quantum theory of a field, adequate to the lowest concept of energetic
condition of the quantum field.
The new stage of theoretical and experimental research of physical vacuum begins in
physics of strong interactions — quantum chromodynamics. There
is essentially another view on a nature of the vacuum: the object of researches become
condensates — the areas of reconstructed vacuum already with
not null energy. If in the quantum theory of a field the vacuum is understood as the
lowest energetic condition of the field — as the basic
condition of a field, and excitations of this field are interpreted as the particles of
the field, and it is supposed, that to the lowest energetic condition corresponds a
condition, in which the average meaning of all physical fields is equal to zero, (vacuum
although "something," but on the average is still "Nothing," then the
new stage is marked by a recognition of an opportunity of existence of condition with the
least energy at different from zero meaning of some physical fields — of
the vacuum condensates. In quantum chromodynamics the representation about confinement of
quarks from hadrons was formulated. On the one hand, hadron is considered as a compound
particle, and on the other it can not be divided into the components —
quarks and gluons. It is clear now, that confinement of quarks is completely caused
by the peculiarities of the gluon, vacuum condensate, by its nonlinear, math-neper
properties. The confinement of quarks, the role of the vacuum condensate in quantum
chromodynamics develop and strengthen a non classical ideal of the scientific description.
The fact is, that in quantum chromodynamics the structural elements of the substance
itself (quarks and hadrons) are not described. However their properties are examined
depending on macro environment. The role of the environment carries out vacuum gluon
condensate, which with known approximation can be considered as a macroscopic object
(classical field). So the representation about the confinement, in essence, is the
development of the physical principle of integrity of the quantum mechanics. Genuinely
post-non-classical element is brought into physics with use of idea about spontaneous
infringement of symmetry of the vacuum.
The creation of the uniform theory of field is based on three fundamental physical
ideas: ideas about quark-lepton structural level of substance, about gauge nature of
interactions and idea about spontaneous infringement of symmetry of initial vacuum. The
gauge principle is a dynamic innovation in the general theory of relevance, for the
gravitational field here is not postulated, but is derived as result of invariance
concerning the group of local gauge transformations. At the present time it is known, that
all physical types of interactions have the gauge nature, that is they appear as the ways
for maintenance in a nature local gauge transformations of that or the other type. That is
in physics at the modern stage there has been an essential shift from historical
tradition, when the form of interactions, established experimentally, was set beforehand.
In gage theories the interactions are not postulated, but are derived as a result of
invariance concerning the groups of local gauge transformations. Thus, the interactions
appear secondary and derivative. They are considered as the ways of maintaining of certain
types symmetries in the nature. That realizes in physics a principle of integrity of
Einstein as the self-coordinated description of geometry and the matter. In other words,
the objects for studying in physics become not simple interactions, but groups of
symmetries. It is the basis in searches of unity of forces in nature. The gauge principle
and the idea of spontaneous infringement of symmetry of initial vacuum have become a
string of Ariadna, which already has led to creation of the uniform theory of
electromagnetic and weak interaction and which brings in optimism and gives hope for
construction of the theories of Great association and Super associations. Spontaneous
infringement of symmetry means, that at certain macro conditions the fundamental symmetry
becomes unstable, which is not appropriate to the minimum meaning of the energy. The price
for a steady condition of system is asymmetry of vacuum. That is lagrangian of the quantum
theory has exact symmetry, lowest energetic condition (the vacuum) does not have the
symmetry of lagrangian, that is, it is not equal to 0. The spontaneous infringement of
symmetry means the transition in a steady condition with occurrence in the whole space of
a similar classical field (vacuum condensate), with non null energy, so-called Higgs
field. In the theory the existence of two types of condensates is supposed: vector vacuum
condensate of gauge fields and scalar condensate of Higgs fields. The gauge bosons and
fermions are distributed on a background of the scalar Higgs field. The interactions of
them with it result in occurrence or change of weights and charges of gauge particles.
This brings an evolutionary aspect in physics. It corrects the traditional representation
for physics about historicism (to be more correct, about non-historicism) of physical
objects. In the absence of the Higgs fields there is no difference between various types
of physical interactions. Spontaneous infringement of symmetry of vacuum in a course of
evolution of the universe in the moments of relativist’s phase transitions, being in
essence the points of bifurcation, results in display of distinctions between particles of
a substance and quantums of the fields (between Bose particles and Fermi particles), later
between quarks and leptons. As a consequence there is a distinction between strong and
electro weak interactions. The following point of bifurcation entails infringement of
symmetry between electromagnetic and weak interaction. The modern cosmology develops and
strengthens this result. A number of cosmological problems, that include and those that
are consequences of the theories of Great association and Super association, are managed
to be solved within the framework of the inflationary theories, which use representation
about expansion of the universe and whole subsequent course of its evolution from the
vacuum condition. The most attractive for today is the script chaotically expanding
universe (by Linde). The representation about the self-recovering universe, about the
division of the universe on mini-universes, in which every possible types of vacuum
condition and all possible types of compactifications are realized, at which the regime of
expansion can be realized. It means, that the properties of particles and vacuum in
various mini-Universes are different. The chains of spontaneous infringement of symmetry
of the vacuum of the appropriate universe are also various. The life, similar to ours, is
possible only in four dimensional space-time. Namely because of that fact our universe has
appeared that "inhabited island," inside which our existence has appeared
possible.
It is necessary to emphasize, that in the decision of the problems the physics of
elementary particles and cosmology come from several fundamental notions, joined around
the global idea of construction of the theory of Super-association, one theory of the
field. As a basic methodological principle of construction of the theory of
Super-association lies the concept of integrity. The use of the gauge approach realizes
Einstein’s concept of integrity as the self-coordinated description of the matter and
geometry. The idea of spontaneous infringement of symmetry of physical vacuum realizes
exactly Bohr understanding of integrity. The one superfield can at realization of the
appropriate calculations be broken into a classical field, the vacuum condensate and prime
condensate excitations (every possible quantums of fields that have a quantum nature).
That is the superfield as an isolated whole in the self-movement is dismembered into two
contrasts — macroscopic component (classical macro conditions
are every possible vacuum condensates) and micro component (quantums of fields, which are
considered as the excitations of vacuum condensates). It must be mentioned that the
properties of micro objects are displayed in details just in relation to macro component — to a specific type of the vacuum condensate, and that realizes the
Bohr’s approach. Thus, in the theory there is a situation, when two alternate points
of view on a nature of a physical reality should be mutually coordinated. However
synthesis of quantum and geometrical representations are not a trivial problem. The
operational sense of calibration consists in fixation of the system of readout, that is
involving certain means of supervision as of elements of integrity. In geometric theories
the system of readout is defined as the system that has several observers, while the
quantum theory works efficiently only with one observer. It looks like the combination of
these two approaches is possible only within the framework of idea of self-organization.
By itself the concept of integrity, realized in Super-association, in essence is
equivalent to the idea of self-organization. However just stating the fact of the
self-evidence of synergetic description of the evolution of the universe is not enough ,
for the problem is much deeper, and has its roots in searches of synthesis of the quantum
and geometrical approaches. This synthesis can be carried out with revealing of deeper
essence Planck’s constant "h." The Planck’s constant should reflect
the processes occurring in our world of self-organization, at the most fundamental level
of representations about the matter and space-time.
In the frameworks of the synergetic approach the new role of physical vacuum is seen in
the physical theory. A more rich in content definition can be given to the concept of
"vacuum." The vacuum is a particularly general part of a whole indivisible
Universe, dissipative structure and the active functions of which provide self-organizing
processes of its evolution. This definition underlines an allocated role of a
subsystem-vacuum, active and organizing functions of it. The concept about vacuum as the
lowest power condition of the quantum field presents only one of the characteristics of
the vacuum, it does not include those new features which are established by development of
physics of the last two decades, such as nonlinearity, dissipativity, etc. Besides, this
concept does not reflect the newest achievement in cosmology, it does not say anything
about the place which vacuum holds in evolutionary development of the universe.
Outstanding of vacuum, its special role in cosmological processes of occurrence and
development of the physical world allows to consider it as an initial abstraction in
physics. Physical vacuum as the theoretical object satisfies to all attributes, required
to initial abstraction of the theory: first of all, it is an element, a cell of any
physical process; secondly, this cell carries in itself the elements of general,
penetrates in all zones of researched process, for in any physical process the vacuum
enters as a part, and as a particularly general part of integrity. Thirdly, it is the
physical vacuum that takes a direct part in formation of qualitative and quantitative
properties of physical objects. Such properties as of backs, weight, charge are displayed
just in interaction with a certain type of vacuum condensates as a result of the
reorganization of vacuum at the moment of spontaneous infringement of the symmetry. The
qualitative distinction of four types of interactions is a consequence of these processes.
So namely the physical vacuum expresses essence of the phenomena in an undeveloped kind.
Further, from what has been said above it is clear, that the physical vacuum satisfies
also the fourth attribute, that is it contains in itself the contradictions of a subject
in a undeveloped kind. Fifthly, it expresses specificity of the phenomena. It is enough to
recall the specificity of the phenomenon of confinement. The specificity of macro
conditions of the universe is also defined by properties of the particular vacuum of our
universe. The occurrence of life itself is connected to a quite particular chain of the
broken in a certain way symmetries of initial vacuum. Sixth of all, the initial
abstraction should be limiting and direct, that is not to be mediated to others. The
initial abstraction is a relation. The fact that takes place a turn around of vacuum,
that, deriving something different to itself, the moment of itself, vacuum turns itself
into part of this moment, speaks about conformity of vacuum even to this criterion of
initial abstraction. Lastly, the vacuum was historically the first in the real process of
development of our Universe.
The statement of a question about initial abstraction in physics, consideration of any
physical object as a moment, as an element of cosmological universe, in turn, brings in
corrective amendments to representation about history of physical objects. As the basic
characteristics of physical objects in modern physics considered not any certain
properties of objects, but the representation of groups of symmetry. The properties of
objects, such as weight, charge, backs arise as derivatives from them at the moments of
spontaneous infringement of symmetry. And if the concept historicism is connected to
representation about development, and a major attribute of development is asymmetry of
those changes, from which there is the process of development, a conclusion about
historicism of physical objects is coming by itself.
The fact, that the question on initial abstraction in physics can be already put,
testifies about evolutionary-synergetic stage in development of a physical science. The
construction of the physical theory according to this methodology will promote unity of
physical knowledge, development of a more adequate synergetic language, creation of a
platform for discussion and solution on a theoretical basis of questions about the
relation of material and ideal, understanding of "the human measure" of the
universe, in other words, to promote development of innovative post-non classical type of
scientific rational.
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