Are Einsteins field equations too complicated?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the complexity of Einstein's field equations in physics, with one participant expressing frustration over their difficulty. Richard Feynman's perspective is referenced, suggesting that if one dislikes the complexity of these equations, they might consider a universe with simpler laws of nature. The conversation touches on the idea that many individuals, including those with advanced degrees in physics, live fulfilling lives without fully understanding these equations. There is also a mention of symmetry at the sub-atomic level as a useful guide. A suggestion is made to explore a resource by John Baez that provides a clearer exposition of the field equations, prompting a reflection on the relative complexity of these equations compared to other concepts in physics.
Alain De Vos
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Or is my brain to small ?
Personally i don't like the field equations, because they are complicated. Richard Feynman would say to this, if you don't like it go to another universe where the laws of nature are much simpler. But then again on sub-atomic level symmetry was a good guide ... e.g. hellman ... can someone comment... E.g. field equations in a planair world, a spherical world , a cilindrical world ?
 
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And oddly, many people lead perfectly happy lives without understanding Einstein's field equations. Some of these people even have a Ph.D. in physics :wink:
 
Alain De Vos said:
Or is my brain to small ?
Personally i don't like the field equations, because they are complicated. Richard Feynman would say to this, if you don't like it go to another universe where the laws of nature are much simpler. But then again on sub-atomic level symmetry was a good guide ... e.g. hellman ... can someone comment... E.g. field equations in a planair world, a spherical world , a cilindrical world ?

Hey Alain De Vos.

It might help you if you take a look at this:

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/einstein/einstein.pdf

It's a brilliant exposition by John Baez and I recommend you read it.
 
Complicated compared to what?
 
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