Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around identifying the most influential PhD theses in physics, exploring various candidates and their impacts on the field. Participants reference historical and contemporary figures, considering both theoretical contributions and practical implications.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose Bernhard Riemann's 1854 thesis on manifolds as foundational for modern physics theories.
- Louis De Broglie is mentioned multiple times as a significant figure, with some arguing he predates Dirac and is a strong candidate.
- Stephen Hawking's 1966 thesis is discussed, with questions about its current standing among cosmologists and its role in challenging the Steady State theory.
- There is uncertainty about whether Hawking's thesis was indeed influential, with references to earlier contributions by Friedmann and Lemaitre.
- Brian Josephson is suggested for his impact on practical measurements and international standards.
- Feynman's thesis is noted for its unique perspective on the principle of least action, with a participant mentioning Fermat's earlier work on the same principle.
- Some participants express skepticism about the timeline of evidence supporting the expanding universe in relation to Hawking's work.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on which thesis is the most influential, with multiple competing views and candidates presented throughout the discussion.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved questions regarding the influence of various theses, the timeline of scientific developments, and the definitions of "influence" in this context.