From symmetry to harmony
A proposal for universal ethics


Forces and symmetries


When the Big Bang occurred, the fundamental symmetries broke down, nearly simultaneously giving birth to four forces and to four-dimensional space-time. The interaction of these four forces yielded the first particles, which were both force and matter. It is in this space-time that the particles first joined, forming atoms, stars, planets, galaxies, and other cosmic objects. The four forces are:
  1. Gravity, which allows us to keep our feet on the ground;

  2. Strong interaction, which holds the particles of the atomic nucleus together and, among other effects, allows stars to produce the carbon which is essential for life;

  3. Electromagnetic force (or chemical force), without which we would have no precise shape;

  4. Weak interaction (or radioactivity), thanks to which the sun shines on us.
These four forces are described by symmetries, i.e. wave functions, mathematical objects which describe the behaviour of matter and forces in space-time. They are geometric in nature, and intervene at all levels of organization within the universe, from the infinitely small particles to the infinitely large galaxies and other cosmic objects; they have done so for some 13.7 billion years.

Einstein introduced us to the theory of general relativity, which describes the infinitely large, with the idea that space and time are one and that space-time is curved. Quantum mechanics describe the infinitely small, and the “standard model” is its reference.

But first, let us listen to Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, and former Director of the CERN, the Geneva-based particles laboratory:

“In my opinion, symmetry is truly the most fundamental thing that exists today in nature. I believe that if we could explain the laws of fundamental symmetries, we would know almost all there is to know about the world. And on that basis, we could build the world’s equations. However, these symmetries, which were perfect in an initial world that was both extremely simple and uniform, are breaking down, altering themselves through evolution.

First, this is a spontaneous rupture. It is a choice. It is a choice between one possible solution and other solutions which are just as possible. And nature must choose one of these solutions. This rupture can be observed and, in a certain fashion, is related to the evolution of this universe of ours, which transits from a uniform, extremely simple and elementary system, to one in which there are differences, modifications, various aspects, richness.”

The four fundamental forces are reflected in the four types of symmetries mentioned previously. If each type serves as the basis for the ethical values mentioned above, it is for a very specific reason.

According to Mr David Gross, Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, these 4 forces are one and the same, but with different charges. Wright Colloquium, Geneva, 17 November 2010.