What are the fundamental principles of physics that apply universally?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the search for fundamental principles of physics that apply universally across different systems and contexts. Participants explore the idea of organizing these principles in a way that highlights their general applicability, particularly in relation to concepts like Lorentz invariance and its role in various physical theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a list of fundamental physics principles that hold universally, distinguishing them from equations that are only valid in specific contexts.
  • Another participant suggests that an axiomatization of all physics is unlikely to exist, implying that the search for universally applicable principles may be futile.
  • Some participants argue that one must learn separate formulas that apply within their respective domains, indicating that a comprehensive "theory of everything" is not currently available.
  • A later reply clarifies that the inquiry is not about a single equation that explains everything, but rather about principles like Lorentz invariance that are essential for consistency across various theories.
  • There is a suggestion that Lorentz invariance should be viewed as a requirement for all physical equations, rather than being limited to a specific domain of applicability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of compiling a definitive list of universal principles. While some acknowledge the importance of principles like Lorentz invariance, others maintain that physics is characterized by separate formulas applicable in distinct contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the search for universal principles, including the dependence on definitions and the unresolved nature of what constitutes a fundamental principle across all of physics.

Silviu
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Hello! I apologize if this is not the right place for this, but it the highest I could get in terms of physics topics difficulty. I was wondering if someone can point me towards a place where I can find the main principle of physics laid out in an organized way? By this I mean principle that holds in any system we know (like the Lorentz invariance, but not F=ma, which breaks down in special relativity). I am starting to learn BSM physics and I came to realize that many formulas I learned during years are not always valid in all physics circumstances and I would like to have a list with the most fundamental physics principle from which in principle you can derive everything else. Not necessary any deep explanations of them, or any proofs or motivations, as most probably I encountered many of them already, I just want to have them in an organized way. Thank you!
 
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It looks like you would want to have an axiomatization of all physics. I'm afraid you will not find such a thing.
 
You are just going to have to learn the separate formulas that apply in their separate domains of applicability. We do not have what you are asking for, which is sometimes called a "theory of everything".
 
Dale said:
You are just going to have to learn the separate formulas that apply in their separate domains of applicability. We do not have what you are asking for, which is sometimes called a "theory of everything".
Thank you for your reply. I think you misunderstood what I was asking for. I don't want an equation that explain everything, I want to know the equations that are true in general. For example Galilean velocity addition doesn't hold in special relativity. However Lorentz invariance is a requirement that we impose on our equations, from classical electromagnetism, to Dirac equation. Of course Lorentz invariance is not a theory of everything (and I am not sure if it can be considered as an axiom) but we want that all of our equations (maybe at a point even a theory of everything) have it. So I am asking about this kind of principle, that we want our systems (equations) to reflect. I.e. I don't think that Lorentz invariance has just a certain "domain of aplicability", but it is something that we require in all areas of physics for a consistent theory.
 

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