Question regarding 'beauty' in the theories that go beyond the standard model

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of aesthetic beauty in theoretical physics, particularly in relation to the standard model. Participants highlight that discoveries such as anti-particles and the Higgs boson emerged from the pursuit of symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing theories. The conversation raises the question of whether continuing to seek beauty in physics will lead to new insights beyond the standard model, while also contemplating the existence of "ugly" discoveries that challenge conventional understanding. String theory is mentioned as a framework that attempts to reconcile these concepts, particularly regarding the dimensions we experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the standard model of particle physics
  • Familiarity with concepts of symmetry in physics
  • Basic knowledge of string theory and its implications
  • Awareness of the Higgs boson and its significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of symmetry in theoretical physics
  • Explore the role of the Higgs boson in the standard model
  • Study the principles of string theory and its dimensional framework
  • Investigate historical examples of "ugly" discoveries in physics
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of beauty in scientific theories.

DarkMattrHole
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TL;DR
is there value in looking for beauty? Is there beauty in the standard model, other theories?
There has been a lot of talk about the value of beauty in theoretical physics. There seems to be a lot of little things that are beautiful because they make sense, according to what we already know, like the discovery of anti-particles, and recently the Higgs. The standard model was revealed partly by looking for esthetically pleasing things like symmetries and finding them along the way.

Should we continue looking for points of beauty to find the things that would possibly explain the structure of standard model and go beyond?

Have there ever been ugly discoveries, or discoveries that reveal a more ugly universe?

There have been a lot of humbling discoveries. There have been spooky discoveries, but even spooky action at a distance could be made beautiful if it was explained, even by a theory that keeps all the particles in the universe bounded tightly together and in near instant communion within some collapsed dimensions, while allowing them infinite range within the three dimensions we experience. (correct me if I'm wrong but this is how i understand string theory works) thanks all.
 
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DarkMattrHole said:
... within the three dimensions we experience
Just as an aside, we do NOT experience three dimensions, we experience four.
 
Thanks, phinds. I will try to be more precise.
 

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