Physics Not Presented Rigorously Enough

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In summary, the speaker is a physics student who feels that physics is often taught in an imprecise manner and believes it would be easier to understand if presented more rigorously. They provide an example of struggling with the Lagrangian formalism and question why physicists tend to be unclear in their definitions. They suggest that textbooks may not have enough worked examples and mention that mathematicians tend to present physics concepts more rigorously in their books. The other person in the conversation agrees and shares their own experience with finding clarity in a different textbook.
  • #1
liorde
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I am a physics student, doing my graduate degree.
I am wondering if anyone else feels like me concerning the following topic:
Physics is usually presented in a very imprecise way, and it would be much easier to understand if it would be presented more precisely.

I felt this way towards all my physics courses so far, and I refer both to lecturers and to textbooks.
I wish physics would be taught in a much more rigorous way.
An example which I encountered recently is the Lagrangian formalism of the electromagnetic field. From the standard notation it is very hard to understand, for example, if the Lagrangian density is a function of the type [tex]{ℝ^n} \to ℝ[/tex] or of the type [tex]\left\{ {{ℝ^m} \to ℝ} \right\} \to ℝ[/tex] Or with respect to what exactly do I differentiate in the expression [tex]\frac{{\partial {\cal L}\left( {\phi \;,\;{\partial ^\mu }\phi } \right)}}{{\partial \phi }}[/tex] etc. (I am not requesting for answers on these issues. I'm jut trying to give an example).
For me, personally, physics would be much easier to cope with if it were presented more precisely and rigorously.

Do you agree?
What do you think is the reason that physicists tend to be so fuzzy and unclear in their definitions?
 
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  • #2
Correct me if I'm wrong but your example seems to be more of an issue with computation than theory? I know what you mean though: when I first saw Lagrangian densities in the specific case of GR where you are told to vary it with respect to a 2 - tensor field I was like how the heck do I do that o.0 but then I found another book that worked through the computation and it became more clear so maybe your textbook(s) just don't have enough worked examples? Then again that seems to be the case with many grad texts. I have seen, in my opinion anyways, that when mathematicians write physics related books, the expositions and theorems / proofs tend to be much neater with no beating around the bush or hand - waving and the ideas are presented more rigorously (Arnold's classical mechanics text in particular comes to mind and especially Burgess's text on classical co-variant fields). I really don't know why; I used to think it was to put more emphasis on physical concepts but to be honest I see more math than physical concepts in many of these graduate physics texts anyways.
 

FAQ: Physics Not Presented Rigorously Enough

1. What is "Physics Not Presented Rigorously Enough"?

"Physics Not Presented Rigorously Enough" refers to a common critique of scientific presentations, lectures, or textbooks where the concepts and principles of physics are not explained with sufficient depth, clarity, or evidence. It is often seen as a barrier to fully understanding and applying physics concepts.

2. How can I tell if a physics presentation is not rigorous enough?

One way to identify if a physics presentation is not rigorous enough is to look for gaps in logic or evidence. If the presenter makes assumptions without providing explanations or evidence, or if they use vague or imprecise language, it may be a sign that the presentation is not rigorous enough.

3. Why is it important for physics to be presented rigorously?

Rigorous presentations of physics are important because they help to accurately convey the fundamental principles and concepts of the field. This allows for a deeper understanding and application of physics in real-world situations. Rigorous presentations also promote critical thinking and scientific literacy.

4. Is "Physics Not Presented Rigorously Enough" a common issue in the scientific community?

Yes, it is a common issue in the scientific community. Physics is a complex and constantly evolving field, and it can be challenging to present it in a way that is both rigorous and accessible to a wide audience. However, with proper training and practice, scientists can learn to present physics in a rigorous and engaging manner.

5. How can we improve the presentation of physics to ensure it is rigorous enough?

To improve the presentation of physics, it is important to use clear and precise language, provide evidence and explanations for concepts, and acknowledge any limitations or uncertainties. It can also be helpful to use visual aids, such as diagrams or graphs, to supplement verbal explanations. Additionally, seeking feedback from peers and experts can help to identify areas for improvement in presenting physics rigorously.

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