Proof of a law versus proof of a theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the distinction between laws and theorems in physics, particularly in the context of fundamental laws such as Newton's laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics. Participants explore the implications of proving these laws and whether such proofs would alter their status as laws or convert them into theorems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether proving fundamental laws would change their classification from laws to theorems.
  • One participant asserts that there is no such thing as proof in physics, suggesting that proof is a concept more aligned with mathematics.
  • Another participant argues that laws remain laws as they are rules that apply under certain conditions, while theories encompass multiple laws and explain their interrelations.
  • A later reply challenges the notion that laws can become theories or vice versa, stating that such categorizations are largely irrelevant in the practice of physics and are more significant in public discourse or among historians and philosophers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of proving laws and the relationship between laws and theories, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the ambiguity in the definitions and significance of terms like "law," "theory," and "model," suggesting that these terms may not hold the same weight in scientific practice as they do in public understanding.

kartikey
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if I get proof of fundamental laws like Newton's laws of motion or fundamental laws of thermodynamics then will they be laws anymore or will they become theorem.
Please tell
 
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kartikey said:
if I get proof of fundamental laws like Newton's laws of motion or fundamental laws of thermodynamics then will they be laws anymore or will they become theorem.
Please tell
There is no such thing as proof in physics. That's a math thing.
 
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They will still remain 'laws'. A law is just a rule for something that works under certain conditions, while a theory usually contains several laws and explains how they work together.
 
kartikey said:
if I get proof of fundamental laws like Newton's laws of motion or fundamental laws of thermodynamics then will they be laws anymore or will they become theorem.
Please tell

There is a fallacy here into thinking that laws somehow become theories, or theories become laws in physics. There is no such thing. And in fact, among physicists, naming such things as laws, theories, models, etc. is actually quite meaningless and has no significance. The BCS theory of superconductivity has often been referred to as a model, while the Standard Model of elementary particle consists of many theories.

Such categorization is only talked about among the general public, or maybe even historian and philosophers. Somehow, for these people, it is a rather big deal to compartmentalize something as a "model", a "law", or a "theory". I'm guessing that giving something a "label" allows them to think that they understand what it is.

But as far as physics goes, it has very little relevance.

Zz.
 
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