Vinny "Vincenzo" G Wrote:We would have to find some kind of unified theory that incorporates everything under one umbrella.
In physics, the unified field theory is the holy grail for this reason. It brings together all these various, diverse subsets into one coherent system.
A simple way to think of it is to imagine if monetary denominations could not be exchanged. So 100 cents can never be used in place of a dollar. These two denominations would be separate, inexchangable and we would really struggle. Finally facilitating an exchange between dollars and cents would be an amazing experience and become a Nobel-prize worthy achievement that would lead to economic growth (or rather stability) skyrocketing.
Unfortunately, physics itself hasn't accomplished this feat, and it becomes incredibly difficult for trans-conceptual unification to even be conceivable.
In theoretical physics this hump can sometimes be gotten over by just pretending, or imagining that there is a way to perform this exchange. But it's not real. It's just semiotic substitution. But it's a viable trick, like algebraic substitution of numbers and variables.
Until then, we are just pretending. And as long as the pretense can bring us LED TVs, hex-core CPUs, rocket ships and all sorts of neat little doodads, we can't complain.
But for people who are interested in the truth and reality, in metaphysics, and the foundations of science, this is a deep problem. Like waking up one day and realizing you don't love your wife anymore.
But wasn't the whole point of bringing up this subject is that this is something in need of an answer we should all be striving to find? I agree that it is an interesting idea, but how is someone like myself, who has only a year of community college, supposed to work towards finding a unified theory? I am interested in the truth and reality and have been starting to do some reading, but it seems to me that my interest is not going to further the subject beyond where others are able to take it. So, what do you have that will convince me that this is a very important for me personally to study beyond some sort of personal satisfaction derived from obtaining knowledge?
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
