Whats left in physics to discover

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the current state of knowledge in physics and the areas that remain unexplored or poorly understood. Participants express curiosity about what physicists still do not comprehend, particularly in relation to energy sources like fusion and the implications for future research and job opportunities in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that despite advancements, many theories in physics remain incomplete, echoing Aristotle's sentiment about the limits of knowledge.
  • There is a belief that theoretical physics continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving existing models in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and relativity.
  • Concerns are raised about the current state of energy production, particularly regarding fusion energy, with some participants noting that it is still largely experimental and not yet viable for widespread use.
  • Questions are posed about the fundamental aspects of physics that remain unresolved, including the nature of consciousness, climate variations, and the potential for inter-universal travel.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the ability of artificial systems to replicate human emotions and cognition, suggesting that this remains a significant challenge.
  • There is a discussion about the potential increase in demand for physicists as new energy technologies develop, particularly in fusion energy research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there are significant gaps in current understanding within physics, but multiple competing views exist regarding the implications of these gaps and the future of energy research. The discussion remains unresolved on many specific points raised.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the speculative nature of some claims about future technologies and the dependence on definitions of concepts like consciousness and emotions in machines. The discussion reflects a range of opinions without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the current challenges and frontiers in physics, energy research, and the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
We don't understand the Pauli Exclusion Principle at all.

We do not understand metals from first principle. The simple nearly free electron approach works ok, but refinements on it fail. We are unable to calculate band gaps from first principle.
 
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  • #32
Claude Bile said:
The big cookie in physics is resolving the apparent contradictions implicit in the theories of General Relativity and Quantum Physics.

Claude.

_Apparent_ contradictions?
Are you stating that the problem is merely a paradox?
 
  • #33
mfb said:
List of unsolved problems in physics

With more knowledge, this list is not getting shorter, it is getting longer as more and more questions are coming up.

Just added a few items ...
 

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