Thought Experiment: Aether Medium

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a thought experiment concerning the existence and nature of a hypothetical medium, often referred to as "aether." Participants explore questions about the composition, properties, and functionality of such a medium, as well as its relationship with atoms and particle structures. The scope includes theoretical exploration and conceptual clarification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a thought experiment about the nature of a hypothetical medium, questioning its composition and relationship with atomic structures.
  • Another participant suggests that the medium would be invisible and undetectable, referring to it as "free space."
  • Some participants challenge the classification of the discussion as a thought experiment, arguing that it does not adhere to the traditional definition involving physical laws.
  • There is a suggestion that for the medium to function, it would need to consist of parts that interact to transmit waves, prompting further inquiry into the nature of these interactions.
  • Concerns are raised about personal speculation and the appropriateness of exploring novel concepts within the forum's guidelines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the discussion, with some agreeing that the medium would be undetectable while others contest the validity of the thought experiment itself. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification of the exploration as a thought experiment and the permissibility of speculation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the nature of the medium and the definitions of thought experiments. The discussion also reflects a tension between exploratory reasoning and adherence to forum guidelines on speculation.

libertyk
TL;DR
Possible properties of a hypothetical aether type medium.
I would like to conduct a thought experiment. If some form of medium exists, what would it be made of? What form would any constituent parts take? Would those parts exhibit any properties? How would they function as a medium? What relation would the medium have with atoms and other particle structures? Are atoms themselves somehow formed out of medium? If so, how? I have my own answers for all these questions, but would be interested in hearing your thoughts.
 
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It would be invisible and undetectable. We would call it free space.
 
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libertyk said:
I would like to conduct a thought experiment.
That isn’t a thought experiment. A thought experiment is where you start with some physical law and apply that law to a hypothetical situation to determine the theorized outcome.
 
I agree that it would be physically undetectable. However, in order to function as a medium, it would need to be composed of some constituent parts that interacted in some manner to facilitate the transmittance of waves. If you had to theorize about what would be happening at those scales, what form do you think that process would take?
Baluncore said:
It would be invisible and undetectable. We would call it free space.
 
Dale said:
That isn’t a thought experiment. A thought experiment is where you start with some physical law and apply that law to a hypothetical situation to determine the theorized outcome.
Fair enough. Most of my work is in field theories, however, some would claim that perturbations of a ground state is simply a mathematical description used in place of physical mediums. My post is meant to explore the concept hypothetically.
 
libertyk said:
If you had to theorize about what would be happening at those scales, what form do you think that process would take?
We don’t permit personal speculation here at PF, so it is not kind to encourage it.
 
libertyk said:
Fair enough. Most of my work is in field theories, however, some would claim that perturbations of a ground state is simply a mathematical description used in place of physical mediums. My post is meant to explore the concept hypothetically.
It seems like you have a misunderstanding about the mission of PF. We do not speculate nor do we explore novel concepts. Our mission here is to educate about existing science, not to do new science.

I am closing this thread, and I recommend reading the forum rules to get a better idea about what we are about.
 

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