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By that logic, every experiment ever conducted is consistent with discrete theories as well. Experiments that try to distinguish the fine structure of spacetim
by naasking 4y ago
By that logic, every experiment ever conducted is consistent with discrete theories as well.
Experiments that try to distinguish the fine structure of spacetime haven't really been a focus, and are probably impossible in a lab environment. Some studies of distant gamma ray bursts place some limits on some discrete theories, but those limits don't apply to covariant discrete theories that preserve other symmetries like the one I posted above.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- fsh 4y agoQuantum electrodynamics is a continuous theory. Its predictions agree with measurements of the electron g-factor and of energy levels in atomic hydrogen to 12 digits of relative accuracy. It would be interesting if a discretized version (if at all possible to construct) makes the same predictions at that level.
- naasking 4y agoI agree, that would be interesting! The paper I linked above suggests that discrete theories are simpler and require less formal structure (ie. no need to talk about gauges or gauge fixing), that's why I said above that I think a push towards discrete physics would provide many insights.