Does the singularity exist

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In summary, there is ongoing debate about the existence of singularities in physics. While some argue that they are simply artifacts of mathematical models, others suggest that they may lead to wormholes. It is unclear whether singularities are beyond the standard model, but they are currently not well understood and may require a more comprehensive theory to fully explain.
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wolram
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People keep saying that it is an artefact of the mass and the singularity does not exist, yet other theorists suggest they lead to worm holes, Do they exist or are they or are they (beyond the standard model)?
 
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A wormhole is a conceivable alternative to a singularity.
 
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wolram said:
People keep saying that it is an artefact of the maths and the singularity does not exist, yet other theorists suggest they lead to worm holes, Do they exist or are they or are they (beyond the standard model)?
The word "singularity" is just shorthand so that physicists don't have to keep saying "the place where the math models break down and we don't know WHAT is/was going on". It does not imply that there is or is not something physical going on, it implies (states directly actually) that we don't KNOW what's going on.
 
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phinds said:
The word "singularity" is just shorthand so that physicists don't have to keep saying "the place where the math models break down and we don't know WHAT is/was going on".

It doesn't even come from physics. The term "singularity" is used in mathematics for conditions where an object is not defined. But if this object has been used in physics and the singularity is not removable this means indeed that the corresponding mathematical model breaks down.
 
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As far as I understand, Relativity, as a classical theory, is known to be woefully incomplete on the scale of the singularity. Quantum mechanics will have something to say about confining huge amounts of mass to small volumes and yet it does not inform the model of the classical singularity. So my perspective is that the singularity, as we currently envision it, is not a "real" object or state, but instead a classical analog of some more weirder quantum mechanical state.
 
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fumbar said:
As far as I understand, Relativity, as a classical theory, is known to be woefully incomplete on the scale of the singularity...

The singularity is similar to dividing by 0. It does not make algebra or calculus "woefully incomplete". The theory could approach infinite accuracy and still have a singularity.

DrStupid said:
It doesn't even come from physics. The term "singularity" is used in mathematics for conditions where an object is not defined. But if this object has been used in physics and the singularity is not removable this means indeed that the corresponding mathematical model breaks down.

There are cases where an object is defined but still has a "singularity". For example a step function like y = x[round down]. The number 2 is defined but the limit as f(x) approaches 2 from the left is 1 but as f(x) approaches 2 from the right it is 2.

I would not say that a step function is a "broken model" it just is not continuous. A lot of real world work has this feature. Items or boxes are discrete units. Customers are upset if they get a fraction of an item delivered. Getting a package to the door after the truck leaves is a fail. Derivatives or rates are still very useful. A model will just be slightly off because the units are not really continuous but that is easy to anticipate.
 
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stefan r said:
There are cases where an object is defined but still has a "singularity". For example a step function like y = x[round down]. The number 2 is defined but the limit as f(x) approaches 2 from the left is 1 but as f(x) approaches 2 from the right it is 2.

I would say that f'(x) has a singularity at x=2, but not f(x).
 

1. Is the singularity a real concept or just science fiction?

The singularity is a real concept that has been studied and debated by scientists and philosophers. It refers to a hypothetical point in the future where artificial intelligence and technology will surpass human intelligence and capabilities.

2. How close are we to reaching the singularity?

There is no consensus among scientists about when or if the singularity will occur. Some believe it could happen within the next few decades, while others argue that it may never happen at all. It ultimately depends on the rate of technological advancements and the development of advanced artificial intelligence.

3. What would happen to humans if the singularity were to occur?

Some experts predict that the singularity could lead to a world where humans and machines merge, enhancing human intelligence and capabilities. Others worry that it could lead to the extinction of humanity or a loss of control over advanced technology.

4. Are there any ethical implications of the singularity?

Many scientists and philosophers have raised concerns about the ethical implications of the singularity, including the potential for loss of privacy, control, and even the value of human life. It is a topic of ongoing debate and consideration in the scientific community.

5. Can we predict what will happen after the singularity?

Since the singularity is a hypothetical concept, it is impossible to predict with certainty what will happen after it occurs. However, many experts believe that it could bring about significant changes and advancements in technology, society, and the human experience.

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