Popular future physics beliefs that are completely wrong?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around common misconceptions in physics, particularly those related to future scientific beliefs that are perceived as erroneous. Participants explore various hypothetical scenarios and ideas that are often cited in popular culture, science fiction, and futurist predictions, questioning their validity and relevance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention the belief that quantum entanglement could enable faster-than-light (FTL) travel or communication as a common misconception.
  • Time travel with the ability to change the past is cited as another hypothetical idea that is often considered incorrect.
  • There is a discussion about the misconception that colonizing other planets will solve humanity's problems, with some arguing that this view oversimplifies the challenges involved.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the value of discussing these misconceptions, questioning whether it is necessary to revisit topics that have been previously covered.
  • Concerns are raised about the arbitrary nature of discussing ideas that may not align with established scientific understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the necessity and value of discussing these misconceptions. While some believe it is important to address these ideas, others argue that it may not be productive and that previous discussions have already addressed similar points.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the discussion may lack clarity due to overlapping topics from previous threads, leading to questions about the justification for starting new discussions on similar subjects.

Maximum7
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TL;DR
Trying to make a list of all hypothetical actions in physics that are completely wrong
I was watching a video on YouTube and while the channel is very credible; it said the often-believed-erroneous-belief that quantum entanglement can allow FTL travel or communication.

I left a respectful comment saying that this is incorrect but many other people actually do believe QE is FTL. I was wondering if there are anymore “common belief” hypothetical physics things that are often cited with regards to future science that are also erroneous. It could be things that futurists say or portrayed in hard science fiction, even. What are some?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Time travel with a change of the past.
 
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Maximum7 said:
TL;DR Summary: Trying to make a list of all hypothetical actions in physics that are completely wrong

What are some?
This is more an engineering and social misconception but the limitation is based on Physics: The idea that colonisation of other planets will solve all our problems. There is a popular feeling that it would be much the same as wagon trains conquering' the wild west. Just a tiny bit of thought should produce the conclusion that humans are just not suited to generational timescales for altruistic projects. Just think of the reactions to the current climate problems. Deny it and we needn't take any uncomfortable action.
 
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Maximum7 said:
TL;DR Summary: Trying to make a list of all hypothetical actions in physics that are completely wrong

To me, this is a description of everything except physics as we know it. It isn't even science fiction. It allows everything except the truth. Pretty arbitrary with little to no meaning at all. There is a reason we do not debunk nonsense. Discussing it by entering through the backdoor is questionable in my opinion.

Can you give an argument as to why we should discuss this?
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Haven't we covered this ground already?
That criterion makes it hard to justify many of the topics in PF. People could just read old threads?
It is a problem.
 
Yes, but that thread is from the same OP. If he started a discussion and it is not satisfactory, he should continue it and say why, not start a new thread and leave us to guess.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Yes, but that thread is from the same OP. If he started a discussion and it is not satisfactory, he should continue it and say why, not start a new thread and leave us to guess.
Agreed. I'm afraid that the link in your last post wouldn't work for me (it does now, of course) so I took your comments as generic. Sorry.
 
fresh_42 said:
There is a reason we do not debunk nonsense. Discussing it by entering through the backdoor is questionable in my opinion.

Can you give an argument as to why we should discuss this?

Vanadium 50 said:
Haven't we covered this ground already?
Thread is done.
 

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