- #1
Ronin84790
- 1
- 0
Does any think or feel that we will be able to achive warp speed in my life time? I'm 30 years old.
Last edited:
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the possibility of achieving warp speed or faster-than-light (FTL) travel within the lifetime of a 30-year-old participant. It explores theoretical, conceptual, and speculative aspects of FTL travel in the context of current scientific understanding.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses hope for achieving warp speed in their lifetime.
- Another participant questions the relevance of the topic to quantum physics.
- A participant suggests that current theories indicate FTL travel is impossible unless those theories are proven wrong.
- There is a discussion about the unpredictable nature of scientific progress and how theories evolve over time.
- One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of FTL travel, citing the constraints of the universe.
- Another participant appreciates a metaphor used to describe scientific progress, indicating a poetic view of the scientific process.
- One participant explicitly votes against the likelihood of achieving warp speed, referencing the established theory of relativity.
- A participant challenges the assertion that FTL travel is impossible by asking for clarification on the limitations imposed by the universe.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views, with some arguing against the possibility of FTL travel based on current scientific theories, while others maintain a more hopeful or questioning stance. No consensus is reached regarding the feasibility of achieving warp speed.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects varying degrees of optimism and skepticism about future scientific advancements, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the evolution of scientific theories and the potential for breakthroughs.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
How is this quantum physics?
- Warren
- Warren
- #3
drag
Science Advisor
- 1,097
- 1
You plan to live for a long time, don't you...
Welcome to PF Ronin !
(btw, What's web police ?)
Live long and prosper.
Welcome to PF Ronin !
(btw, What's web police ?)
Live long and prosper.
- #4
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
I suppose I'll answer anyway, even if the question has nothing to do with quantum physics.
According to currently accepted theories, there cannot ever be faster-than-light travel. The only way for future technology to achieve FTL travel is if current theories are wrong.
When will we realize that the current theory is wrong and replace it with a better one? Who can say? Science tends to work in leaps and bounds -- contradictory evidence collects like snow on a mountain until someone shouts and starts an avalanche. There is probably no way to predict, in even vague terms, when we might reach another turning point in physical understanding.
One would think that, as science progresses, it stabilizes onto a set of valid theories. When these accepted theories no longer change for a very long time, one might even be willing to declare them "done." Modern physics has been evolving very quickly in the last 200 years or so. But how long is 200 years in terms of scientific evolution? How can anyone say with even tenuous conviction that 200 years is or is not enough time for mankind to learn all the rules? How about 2000?
I guess the bottom line is that it's pointless to concern yourself with the duration of a process you've never seen before.
- Warren
According to currently accepted theories, there cannot ever be faster-than-light travel. The only way for future technology to achieve FTL travel is if current theories are wrong.
When will we realize that the current theory is wrong and replace it with a better one? Who can say? Science tends to work in leaps and bounds -- contradictory evidence collects like snow on a mountain until someone shouts and starts an avalanche. There is probably no way to predict, in even vague terms, when we might reach another turning point in physical understanding.
One would think that, as science progresses, it stabilizes onto a set of valid theories. When these accepted theories no longer change for a very long time, one might even be willing to declare them "done." Modern physics has been evolving very quickly in the last 200 years or so. But how long is 200 years in terms of scientific evolution? How can anyone say with even tenuous conviction that 200 years is or is not enough time for mankind to learn all the rules? How about 2000?
I guess the bottom line is that it's pointless to concern yourself with the duration of a process you've never seen before.
- Warren
- #5
hypnagogue
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,284
- 3
Wow, that's a beautiful metaphor, Warren. You should make a poem of it.
- #6
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,876
- 11,344
I voted no. You won't win any money betting against relativity.
- #7
Adrian Baker
- 378
- 2
No way will it happen.
We live in an age where Science and Technology seem to be able to solve all problems. The steps forward that mankind has made are huge. A belief that 'anything is possible' is one that has made our society what it is.
However, eventually human dreams come up against the way the Universe works. This is 'the final frontier' and not one that we can cross.
This doesn't stop us dreaming though...hence this thread!
We live in an age where Science and Technology seem to be able to solve all problems. The steps forward that mankind has made are huge. A belief that 'anything is possible' is one that has made our society what it is.
However, eventually human dreams come up against the way the Universe works. This is 'the final frontier' and not one that we can cross.
This doesn't stop us dreaming though...hence this thread!
- #8
beatsntoons
Why not?
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