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> The problem in physics is that the space of possible theories has been searched so exhaustively that what these physicists are doing is just about the only ch
by BizarroLand 4y ago
> The problem in physics is that the space of possible theories has been searched so exhaustively that what these physicists are doing is just about the only choice.
Can't say I agree with that one. I think we're capping out on the physics that Einstein and ilk laid out for us to explore. This is an ideal time in the next 20-40 years for a new revolutionary genius to figure out the next big thing.
I'm not going to make any sci-fi prognostications but I have a feeling like there's a new threshold to cross coming up, one of those unknown unknowns that we'll suddenly figure out thanks to a flash of insight by the right person being in the right place at the right time kind of things.
- macrolocal 4y agoCounterpoint: there are major unresolved puzzles in symplectic geometry, and every indication is that they touch on deep physics. It could easily take research mathematicians fifty more years to build a clear picture of what's going on.
- parton 4y agoThe state of physics these days is we have 100 physicists of Einstein's calibre alive right now, but not enough experimental data for them to make any headway on fundamental questions. For all we know, someone already published the theory of everything, but because there was no way to test it, it got ignored completely.