B Why is the general theory of relativity is so complicated

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The discussion centers on the perceived complexity of the general theory of relativity (GR), with a 13-year-old participant expressing that they find it simple and accessible through online resources. Other contributors emphasize that while basic concepts may seem understandable, the mathematical and quantitative aspects of GR are significantly more challenging and require advanced knowledge in mathematics. They advise the young learner to focus on foundational math skills, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, over the next several years to prepare for deeper understanding. The conversation highlights the importance of patience and gradual learning in mastering complex scientific theories. Ultimately, the consensus is that understanding GR fully is a long-term endeavor that involves continuous study and practice.
  • #31
sophiecentaur said:
But why oh why would anyone expect GR not to be difficult?
And it only took a physics genius how many decades. Too bad I'm a philosophy major. At least it's just a stream of matter in energy.
 
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  • #32
jerromyjon said:
Right! Science is about proving how things work, and predicting it precisely. Philosophy deals with how hard or easy it is to oneself, and has no value to science.
I have serious reservations about both those points!
I am no admirer of Popper's superficialities, and he failed miserably in his misdirected attempts to abolish induction, but he was halfway right in his falsificationism.
More precisely, science is about the selection of the strongest of the available alternative hypotheses at any given point in its history, assembling scaffolding while one builds up stronger hypotheses. It is not about empirical/computational proof, though it might have seemed to be so for a couple of centuries after Newton.
As for philosophy being of no value to science, that is about as valid as arguing that formal maths is of no value to science, which proved to be a major pratfall for Hardy, remember? The philosophy of science is an applied branch of formal disciplines, and as such not only is of value, but also is the basis of the selection, evaluation and planning of scientific assumptions, hypotheses, theories, and claims of validity. A lot of the lousy experimental design that passes peer review is founded upon faulty appreciation of the significance of the underlying philosophy, by plodders who think that if you can sneak in numerical representations of something or other, you have achieved incontrovertibility, so never mind basic good sense.
But this way moderation and thread closure lie. Where those guys think one is to present or develop concepts, I have failed to grasp, along with many other abstrusities. If you have any interest in following up these questions, let me know where the right forum would be.
 
  • #33
mr1batman said:
this motivational comment is one of the best comments i ever seen
bro my family don't motivate me at all
they keep frustrating me !
thank you very much
Keep cool. Do not argue with your family more than you possibly can help. Not many people can understand what it is you want to understand and master, and even fewer people can imagine why you might want to master and understand it.

The more you argue, the less you will make willing to help you and the more you will make them try harder to stop you. Quietly carry on with your studies without arguing.

There is a great deal you can find on the internet that can help, and if you look in here at Physicsforums and ask for advice and help and URLs for helpful stuff online, you will get a lot of support that otherwise you would need to go to university for.

Do work as hard as you can at school on everything to do with maths and physics, and if you can find books in the libraries, that also can help.
Everything you learn there will help you more than you can guess at first.

Even if you do not yet see why it matters, make sure you can understand how to work it. It is all a part of your path to the understanding you want.

And the more you understand in as many ways as possible, the more fun it will be and the more power it will give you.

Good luck!
 

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