All the Universe belong to Quantum Mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between quantum mechanics and the understanding of the universe, questioning whether a complete understanding of quantum science equates to a complete understanding of all existence. It delves into philosophical implications, the completeness of quantum theories, and the potential for discovering deeper layers of reality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if full understanding of quantum science would lead to a complete understanding of the universe, suggesting uncertainty about knowing when all knowledge has been attained.
  • Another participant notes that many believe quantum mechanics is incomplete, referencing interpretations like many-worlds and Bohmian Mechanics that either seek to complete quantum mechanics or propose new laws.
  • A participant provides an analogy comparing knowledge of guitar notes to the potential for creating melodies, implying that knowing all components does not equate to knowing all possibilities.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that any theory of "Everything" must postulate basic objects and laws, but the fundamental reasons for their existence may remain undefined and unknown, indicating a limit to our understanding of the universe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness of quantum mechanics and the implications for understanding the universe, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the philosophical limitations of understanding and the potential for undiscovered layers of reality, but do not resolve these complexities.

newb345
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If we ever fully understood quantum science and all there is to know about it, could one say we then fully understand the universe? Or, would we never know at which point we know all there is to know? Would you be comfortable in the belief or proof nothing more could be discovered--about anything? Should we expect to discover yet another layer of something, deeper than the quanta? To some people, it would be pretty cool if humans could understand their existence, or lack of it.

Pardon me if this question is does not belong. It's my first. Thanks all.
 
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newb345 said:
Or, would we never know at which point we know all there is to know?

Two things;

1. Analogy - Just because you know all the notes on a guitar and how a guitar works does not mean you know every possible melody.

2. Its not possible to know if you know everything.
 
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Whatever the theory of "Everything" is, it should postulate the existence of some basic objects and postulate some physical laws. The nature of these objects, the reason of their existence (rather than non-existence) and the reason why the postulated laws are true and why they are this particular way or exist at all will be beyond the theory, i.e. basically undefined and unknown. In this sense we will never understand the Universe completely (unless we find some resolution of this basic problem of any physical theory conceivable today).
 

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