What we mean when we talk of foundations of physics?

[Telemachus]

I wans't sure on where I should post this question. So, if this place is inappropriate, please move it to a proper section.

The question is as its posed in the title of this topic. What we mean by foundations of physics? when someone talks of the foundations of physics, what is he/she talking about exactly?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DrClaude]

There is a journal called Foundations of Physics, and its in description one can read

Foundations of Physics is an international journal devoted to the conceptual bases and fundamental theories of modern physics and cosmology, emphasizing the logical, methodological, and philosophical premises of modern physical theories and procedures.
We welcome papers on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, special and general relativity as well as cosmology. Also, we think it is time for the experts on quantum gravity, quantum information, string theory, M-theory, and brane cosmology to ponder the foundations of these approaches.

This should give you an idea of what some people think that "foundations of physics" mean.

 

[Geofleur]

"Foundations of physics" makes me think of the underlying mathematical language of physics, things like Clifford algebra and such, as in the book by D. Hestenes, Clifford Algebra to Geometric Calculus: A Unified Langauge for Mathematics and Physics.

 

[gleem]

Foundation (a basis on which something is supported) and fundamental (a basis supporting essential function) have a shared meaning ,

Richard Feynman said this about Fundamental Physics,

"We do not know what the rules of the game are; all we are allowed to do is to watch the playing. Of course, if we watch long enough, we may eventually catch on to a few of the rules. The rules of the game are what we mean by fundamental physics."