System Science of Virtual Reality: Toward the Unification of Empirical and Subjective Science

• empirical 1 scientists who are open to the possibility that physical systems supervene 2 on information processes, • subjective 3 scientists seeking a rationalist 4 conceptual framework with which to integrate and communicate their knowledge, • system theorists seeking insights into a mathematical formulation of " general system theory " and a novel mathematical approach toward system analysis and design, • computer scientists seeking insights into a mathematical model of massively parallel processes and a system-oriented approach to software engineering , • those seeking to understand 5 quantum mechanics and the world-view that arises from it, • those working toward the unification of the empirical and subjective sciences , • those seeking rational insight into conscious experience and the nature of reality. 1 Empiricism claims that reliable knowledge can be obtained by observing the content of sensory experience. 2 If 'B' supervenes on 'A' then every aspect of B can be explained by recourse to A. 3 Subjectivism claims that reliable knowledge can be obtained by observing ones own ex-periential / cognitive processes. The activity of the mind rather than the content. 4 Rationalism claims that there are sources of knowledge other than sense experience and that these can be rationally verified and formulated into a science. Quantum mechanics is an example of a rationalist science, it is based on mathematical formalisms and postulates entities such as wavefunctions that are not observable but nevertheless real. 5 It has often been stated that quantum mechanics is impossible to understand in any deep sense, however by shifting to an information systems paradigm it can be clearly understood and seen to be necessary rather than paradoxical. iii This book aims to provide a concise overview of a novel approach to system simulation, and its theoretical implications. This subject touches on many profound topics not traditionally associated with system theory. It also sheds new light on many cutting edge topics. " The reception of a new paradigm often necessitates a redefini-tion of the corresponding science. Some old problems may be relegated to another science or declared entirely " unscientific ". Others that were previously non-existent or trivial may, with a new paradigm, become the very archetypes of significant scientific achievement. And as the problems change, so, often, does the standard that distinguishes a real scientific solution from a mere metaphysical speculation, word game, or mathematical play ". [1] The book is primarily about …