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I think physics is ripe for a revolution. We know Einstein's theories are incompatible with Quantum Mechanics but the path to reconciliation is not obvious or i

by dmfdmf 11y ago

I think physics is ripe for a revolution. We know Einstein's theories are incompatible with Quantum Mechanics but the path to reconciliation is not obvious or it would have been done already. Its unlikely to come from inside the profession, even by "fringe" groups like the Perimeter Institute, which isn't really fringe but pretends to be. Math is the ideal place for the independent outsider. The "group" mathematicians are just pushing the current fields to their logical conclusions, nothing wrong with that but its unlikely to create a new area of math or find anything profound. Its like mathematical engineering, using the tools/ideas that are known, and a safe career path. If an outsider has a proof people will listen. The only other area I can think of would be computer science and inventing a true AI and not an AI mimic like Microsoft's recent twitter embarrassment, but in my view that would really be a development in epistemology with AI as its first application. So do you think you are a genius? How old are you?

T-A 11y ago
Special relativity was unified with quantum mechanics in the 40s. The result is called quantum field theory; it's the most successful physical theory we have. Attempts to quantize general relativity abound. A handful which anyone interested will mention off the top of their head: http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2015/12/17/what-are-quantum-gravitys-alternatives-to-string-theory/#4f343e313f75 http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2015/12/17/what-... The problem is not just conceptual or mathematical, it's a total lack of experimental data. Even if you write down the correct theory of quantum gravity, you have no realistic way to test it - but you can rest assured that everybody pursuing a different approach will be right there telling you that you are an idiot.

by dmfdmf 11y ago

T-A 11y ago

Special relativity was unified with quantum mechanics in the 40s. The result is called quantum field theory; it's the most successful physical theory we have. Attempts to quantize general relativity abound. A handful which anyone interested will mention off the top of their head: http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2015/12/17/what-are-quantum-gravitys-alternatives-to-string-theory/#4f343e313f75 http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2015/12/17/what-... The problem is not just conceptual or mathematical, it's a total lack of experimental data. Even if you write down the correct theory of quantum gravity, you have no realistic way to test it - but you can rest assured that everybody pursuing a different approach will be right there telling you that you are an idiot.