Beyond the Standard Model": Reflections on a Hindu Chant

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the title "Beyond the Standard Model" and its implications in the context of theoretical physics, particularly regarding the Standard Model of particle physics and General Relativity (GR). Participants reflect on the appropriateness of the title, explore its philosophical connotations, and reference related literature.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the title should be "Beyond the Standard Models" to reflect both the Standard Model of particle physics and GR as a standard model of gravitation.
  • One participant suggests that the title was a committee choice and not a preferred option, proposing an alternative title inspired by Heinlein.
  • Another participant humorously suggests "Beyond the Standard Muddle" as a more fitting title, indicating a preference for singular terms.
  • A participant mentions a recent issue of Scientific American that includes articles on strings and loop quantum gravity, noting the title's appeal.
  • There is a distinction made between the Standard Model as a model and General Relativity as a theory, with some expressing frustration over revisiting this distinction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of the title "Beyond the Standard Model," with some advocating for a plural form and others supporting the singular. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best terminology to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the distinction between models and theories, which may depend on specific definitions and interpretations within the field. There is also a reference to the subjective nature of title selection in academic contexts.

rtharbaugh1
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I see that "Strings, branes, and LQG" has become "Beyond the Standard Model". OK.

But shouldn't it be "Beyond the Standard Models"?

I offer this meditative prayer from the days of my youth:

Beyond the shining silver sea
the silent singer sings to thee.
All your trials lie ahead,
suffering brings enlightenment.
Beyond, beyond, beyond the beyond,
blessed be far travelor.

It is partly a translation of a Hindi chant, "Gate gate paragate, Para sam gate bhodi shawi."

Good voyages!

Richard
 
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But shouldn't it be "Beyond the Standard Models"?

Because there's a Standard Model of particle physics, and GR is also the standard model of gravitation? And anything "professsionally researched" that goes beyond either of them belongs here? I would agree. The name was kind of a comittee choice by the mentors, and I believe it was nobody's first choice. I'd go for Heinlein's old title" "Beyond This Horizon".
 
Marcus' Beyond the Standard Muddle is better. Plurals are unnecessary. :smile:

What sight so lured him thro' the fields he knew
As where Earth's green stole into heaven's own hue,
Far-far-away?
Tennyson
 
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BTW Scientific American has a special issue out called Frontiers of Physics with an article on strings by Brian Greene and one on LQG by Lee Smolin. All at the very simple SciAm level. But I thought the title was a good one.
 
selfAdjoint said:
Because there's a Standard Model of particle physics, and GR is also the standard model of gravitation?

The problem with this is that (i) the SM is a model and (ii) GR is a theory.
 
Kea said:
The problem with this is that (i) the SM is a model and (ii) GR is a theory.

Good grief! Let's not get into THAT again!

Zz.