B The Many TOE's Theory: Examining the Possibilities

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The discussion explores the concept of a Theory of Everything (TOE) in physics, questioning whether a singular TOE exists or if there are potentially infinite TOEs. It suggests that if multiple TOEs are valid, the simplest or most computationally efficient might be preferred. The conversation highlights the importance of data in distinguishing between these theories, emphasizing the need to eliminate redundant equations when faced with more equations than data. Occam's razor is mentioned as a guiding principle in selecting the most straightforward explanation. Ultimately, the idea that multiple explanations could collectively form a comprehensive TOE is proposed.
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How do we know the 'EVERYTHING' is any particular way?
Physicists search for explanations and a theory of everything, but how do we know that the 'everything' is any particular way? What if there is no ONE theory of everything. What if there is an infinite number of TOE's that can be shown to exist? How would we choose among them? For example what if the universe was made up of ideas, and even that! is itself an idea? What then?
 
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fractalzen said:
Summary: How do we know the 'EVERYTHING' is any particular way?

What if there is an infinite number of TOE's that can be shown to exist? How would we choose among them?
Probably we would pick the simplest. Either that or the easiest to compute.
 
fractalzen said:
What if there is an infinite number of TOE's that can be shown to exist?
One TOE would be nice, beyond that, you would need to collect more specific data to eliminate the false TOEs. Meanwhile, Occam's razor keeps it simple.

If you have more equations than data, you must eliminate redundant equations, or gather more data to resolve a unique solution. That is the way of science.
 
fractalzen said:
Summary: How do we know the 'EVERYTHING' is any particular way?

Physicists search for explanations and a theory of everything, but how do we know that the 'everything' is any particular way? What if there is no ONE theory of everything. What if there is an infinite number of TOE's that can be shown to exist? How would we choose among them? For example what if the universe was made up of ideas, and even that! is itself an idea? What then?
The theory that there are in fact many explanations would be "the" theory of everything.
 
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