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*the difference between science and mathematics. Physicists normally care little whether their mathematical tools are formally proven correct. See: the Feynman
by DiogenesKynikos 7y ago
*the difference between science and mathematics.
Physicists normally care little whether their mathematical tools are formally proven correct. See: the Feynman path integral. It makes sense and gives correct answers, but as far as I know, it has no rigorous mathematical basis.
- ljcn 7y agoIndeed, natural science deals in models, not 'the truth'. In most cases 'correct' isn't an option, rather a degree of accuracy. If it's consistent with the measurements, or even better if it has predictive power, then it's useful.
- DiogenesKynikos 7y agoI wouldn't say they don't deal in truth. Scientific theories clearly capture a lot of true elements of how the universe works. But proving that the mathematical methods are correct, starting from basic axioms, is something for mathematicians. Most physicists will use a mathematical tool if it's useful, even if it's not been formally proven correct.