Whatever happened to Occam's Razor?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of Occam's Razor in the context of modern physics theories, including M-theory and the Standard Model (SM). Participants highlight that while Occam's Razor advocates for simplicity in explanations, the complexity of current physics challenges this principle, particularly when foundational questions remain unanswered. The Higgs mechanism is mentioned as a partial explanation for particle mass, yet it does not clarify the specific values of those masses, prompting physicists to explore theories beyond the SM.

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  • Understanding of Occam's Razor and its implications in scientific theory.
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  • Research the implications of Occam's Razor in scientific methodology.
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Physicists, science students, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of scientific theories and the complexities of modern physics.

mouseman
I'm just wondering, with all these theories out there (M-theory, tachyons, anti-particles, etc., etc.) aren't they ignoring the Laws of Economy?

Be advised my question is not trying to infer that I have any alternatives, I am just asking out of curiosity.

Thank you kindly for your most appreciated time.
 
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Occam's razor says that among various solutions we should choose the simplest.

The problem is that, in some domains, we're still at the zero solution stage! Can't apply Occam's razor when there's nothing to apply it to. :wink:

Hurkyl
 
Ahhh I see. Thanks I didnt think of that.
 
Plus, Occam says not to multiply entities without a reason. There are reasons to think physics exists beyond the standard model. For example the SM doesn't say why the particles have the masses they do. That the particles have mass at all is explained (sort of) by the Higgs mechanism, but why those particlular numbers come up is not explained.

So physicists are motivated to think of physics beyond the SM, and that's what all the strings theory and supersymmetry and so on is, just trying to see what consistent physics at those high energies can exist.
 

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