Electromagnetic Waves and Anekāntavāda

Today we all know much about electromagnetic (EM) waves. We use them in almost every area. Examples are radio waves in communication, Microwave cooking, and X-rays in the Health Sector. However, the characteristic of EM waves was a disputed topic. Isaac Newton believed that EM waves are a collection of particles. As he was the greatest polymath of his time, almost everyone believed that. His contemporary Christian Huygens suggested that EM is a wave. But Isaac Newton was most famous then, and thus Idea of Christian Huygens remained in a dump for 100 years.

Thomas Young challenged the idea of the particle nature of EM waves with his Double Slit Experiment. Later Experiments of Augustin Jean Fresnel supported the wave nature of EM waves. Also, the electromagnetic theory of Maxwell predicted the speed of light correctly. Thus, almost everyone started to believe that EM waves have a wave nature only.

But wave nature of light failed to explain the Photoelectric Effect, which was later explained by Albert Einstein by considering the particle nature of EM wave.

Later scientists agreed that the EM wave has both nature – Particle and Wave. And the debate settled.

Should we stop here our search or understanding of Electromagnetic Waves?

Clearly, Big No, we should be open to new ideas and understanding. We should not be extremists and believe in only one idea or concept.

Jainism believed in the idea of Anekāntavāda – Ultimate truth and reality are complex and have multiple aspects. I think this is also true in the Scientific world. The ultimate reality of every atom is complex and has multiple aspects be it a Photon or electron. 

Christian Huygens proposed that electromagnetic (EM) waves were mechanical waves, propagating through a medium called the "ether." However, modern physics views EM waves as non-mechanical, propagating through a vacuum without the need for a physical medium. The absence of experimental evidence for the ether has led to its dismissal.

While it's important to maintain an open mind and consider alternative explanations, it's equally crucial to base scientific understanding on empirical evidence. At present, there's no compelling evidence to suggest that EM waves are mechanical or that the concept of the ether is valid.

However, as our understanding of the universe continues to evolve, it is possible that future discoveries may challenge our current paradigms. It's essential to remain open to new ideas and be willing to adapt our theories as new evidence emerges.