4 ms·
My question is what's the purpose of physics outside of aiding technology if not an attempt at explaining reality, or at least our observation of whatever reali
by sidlls 8y ago
My question is what's the purpose of physics outside of aiding technology if not an attempt at explaining reality, or at least our observation of whatever reality is?
It's "explaining reality". The assumption is that we do so by observing, and the explanation is by models (usually mathematical). That's the extent of any relationship to philosophy. Questions regarding whether "observed 'reality'" is really real reality or the like simply aren't pertinent.
- cmplxconjugate 8y agoI think that people outside the field have the wrong understanding of what physicists do. I think you make a good point about models and assertions. However, I would like to add an important point: we are data driven. Hard evidence is the most important part of validating and guiding our models. In my anecdotal experience, most of us get frustrated with superfluous time consuming discussions. Often these frustrations are a result of the non-scientifically trained trying to project what they perceive to be a scientific discussion. Source: I’m a theoretical physicist by profession. I work in the field of condensed matter physics, specialising in geometry optimisation & DFT.