Is the Quest for a Theory of Everything Getting Out of Hand?

  • Thread starter AtrusReNavah
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In summary, there is a subjective question about whether current attempts at a Theory of Everything (ToE) are becoming too complex and outlandish. Some feel that the focus on mathematical equations rather than understanding the underlying principles may be leading to a convoluted and incomplete theory. There is a debate between using a top-down approach, where desired properties are determined first, and a bottom-up approach, where theories are derived from experimental evidence. There is also a call for understanding the principles of quantum mechanics before attempting a ToE. However, the complexity of bringing together quantum mechanics and relativity may make formulating a ToE inherently difficult.
  • #36
juanrga said:
A TOE is a fantasia believed by some people (very often theoreticians disconnected from experiments and labs) and that apparently have never taken good courses in metaphysics and metamathematics.



Lucky for us history is full of such forward thinking people who were willing to fantasies such things. Especially at times when they had no such courses or the proper technology to do the right experments.
 
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  • #37
bill alsept said:
juanrga said:
A TOE is a fantasia believed by some people (very often theoreticians disconnected from experiments and labs) and that apparently have never taken good courses in metaphysics and metamathematics.



Lucky for us history is full of such forward thinking people who were willing to fantasies such things. Especially at times when they had no such courses or the proper technology to do the right experments.

Lucky for us, when that people was claiming that they got a TOE, the rest of the community just ignored them and advanced physics and chemistry developing new theories really connected with the phenomena observed in the lab.
 
  • #38
juanrga said:
bill alsept said:
Lucky for us, when that people was claiming that they got a TOE, the rest of the community just ignored them and advanced physics and chemistry developing new theories really connected with the phenomena observed in the lab.

It would certainly be motivating to know that all of reality does make sense.
 

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