Is a Grand Unifying Theory Possible in an Evolving Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the possibility of a Grand Unifying Theory (GUT) in the context of an evolving universe. Participants explore whether the laws of physics could change over time and how this might impact the concept of a GUT. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and philosophical implications regarding the constancy of physical laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if evolution occurs on Earth, it raises the question of whether the laws of the universe could also evolve, potentially leading to different physical laws at the universe's edge.
  • Others argue that the structure of the universe and the effects of dark energy have changed over time, suggesting that physical laws and constants might also have changed.
  • A participant questions the relationship between the concept of evolution and the laws of physics, suggesting that the term "evolution" may be misleading in this context.
  • There is a suggestion that if laws of physics can evolve, then there must be a way to describe how these laws change over time, implying a need for a unified theory.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that the theory describing how laws change must be static, prompting further inquiry into this claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of a Grand Unifying Theory and the constancy of physical laws. There is no consensus on whether the laws of physics can evolve or if they have always been constant.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions involve assumptions about the nature of physical laws and their potential evolution, which remain unresolved. The implications of dark energy and the initial fine-tuning of the universe are also mentioned but not fully explored.

luigidopobici
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Hi,

New member, first post.

Is a Grand Unifying Theory even possible?

If there is evolution on our planet, why would there not be an evolution of the laws of the universe? What we theorize, test and measure may be true of our universe at this time point, but could it not be that at the edge of the universe, physical laws have evolved to a point which would never be compatible with the laws we currently use to describe our measurable universe?

Sorry if it is a profoundly stupid question.
 
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Hi Luigi, welcome to the PF. I have also wondered if the laws of the universe need to be constant from the BB until the end of the universe. The structure of the universe has changed incredibly, also the effect of dark energy has changed over past 7B years, so perhaps some of the laws and physical constants of the universe could have changed also. It would require this grand Physics experiment that we exist into have a little less initial fine tuning!
 
Thanks

Tanelorn said:
It would require this grand Physics experiment that we exist into have a little less initial fine tuning!

Which of the Rees Six Numbers and why?
 
I am only an initiate and a retro one at that so you will need help from a pro now.
 
Hi Luigi,

Just to clarify you seem to be asking two different questions. Firstly is a Grand Unification Theory possible and secondly have the laws of physics always been so.

Your use of the word evolution is a little misleading because evolution brings up connotations of biological evolution which has little to do with the laws of physics aside from working within them. A resident expert may be able to give you a better answer but I do not know of any reason why a GUT could not exist and contemporary understanding in physics is that the laws of physics have always been true.
 
luigidopobici said:
Hi,

New member, first post.

Is a Grand Unifying Theory even possible?

If there is evolution on our planet, why would there not be an evolution of the laws of the universe? What we theorize, test and measure may be true of our universe at this time point, but could it not be that at the edge of the universe, physical laws have evolved to a point which would never be compatible with the laws we currently use to describe our measurable universe?

Sorry if it is a profoundly stupid question.
If there is an evolution of the laws then there is a way to describe how those laws change over time, and the theory which describes how those laws change over time will be static. So there has to be some unified theory by definition.
 
Chalnoth said:
the theory which describes how those laws change over time will be static.

Why is this necessarily the case?
 
luigidopobici said:
Why is this necessarily the case?
Because the higher theory is describing the change over time. As long as that change is describable, you can do so with a fixed set of laws.
 

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