Prof. Gerard ’t Hooft, a Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist and professor emeritus at Utrecht University, emphasizes the need for risk-taking and expanded mathematical knowledge in physics to reach a fundamental theory of everything. His advocacy for superdeterminism challenges conventional views, asserting that many established physicists, including Einstein, faced criticism for their theories. Despite the complexities of modern physics, ’t Hooft maintains a commitment to scientific rigor, distinguishing himself from peers who veer into pseudoscience.
PREREQUISITESThe discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of modern physics and the evolution of scientific thought.
In the pantheon of modern physics, few figures can match the quiet authority of Gerard ’t Hooft. The Dutch theoretical physicist, now a professor emeritus at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, has spent much of the past half-century reshaping our understanding of the fundamental forces that knit together reality. But ’t Hooft’s unassuming, soft-spoken manner belies his towering scientific stature, which is better revealed by the mathematical rigor and deep physical insights that define his work—and by the prodigious numbers of prestigious prizes he has accrued, which include a Nobel Prize, a Wolf Prize, a Franklin Medal, and many more.
Unfortunately, Einstein unified field theory did not pay either. Same with Heisenberg, Dirac and others.jedishrfu said:Well, when you get to his level of eminence, you can say what you want. Even Einstein was critical of some things.
Yeah, at least 't Hooft did not go for pseudoscience and spiritual stuff as some other Nobel laureates.jedishrfu said:It's true that much of physics is filling the details of things we don't understand but has yet to reach the fundamental theory of everything. Sometimes, people need to take more risks, expand their mathematical knowledge and think outside the box as younger researchers do until they're told not to.
Here is a list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobel_diseasemarcusl said:Who besides Josephson?