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mmoa_writes at 10:44pm on 09/05/2010 under new scientist, physics, theory of everything, university
mmoa_writes at 10:44pm on 09/05/2010 under new scientist, physics, theory of everything, university So I was flicking through the latest edition of the New Scientist magazine and came across an article that literally made me heart stop in shock: a sceptical article about the quest for the Theory of Everything.
Amazing no?
Even more amazing as over the Easter holidays, I joked around with my sisters that I'm beginning to hope physicists completely fail in their quest (to find anything really. The answer to mass, a complete string theory, super symmetry etc etc) not so much because I'd honestly enjoy it, but because it appeals to my rather miserable sense of humour. What can I say? I like failure. There's something that appeals to my black humour to think of us spending billions and billions of pounds on something that will give us an answer no matter what... just not one we want.
On the topic of a Theory of Everything, I have to say I am a complete agnostic now. Mostly because now I'm actually learning the very very basics of the mathematics that's employed, it all seems a lot less... substantial. I can't think of a better way to explain myself to be honest but it all seems so much more random than they make out in the Popular Science type of books that the idea of a unified theory that does any better than state 'it exists' sometimes seems almost laughable.
I also have to be very honest and say that - as is so often the case - a lot of my scepticism comes from the fact that... no one else seems to be (and furthermore it doesn't matter if I'm sceptical because I'm only a mediocre Physics undergrad). I have nothing against the 'atheistic transcendentalism' that drives the quest for toE. But the thing with ideas concerning the transcendent is that they could all too easily be false extrapolations, or - conversely - useful interpolations that only become useful (and life-affirming and beautiful and all that other crap they say to get funding) in light of all the facts as opposed to in the process of finding those facts.
There is a philosophical bias towards the idea of some grand underlying, symmetry-affirming theory which is beautiful and interesting. No really. I have nothing against it as I too tend towards that bias as well (and quite naturally too). However, on my part that is, if any 'reason' exists, then it is purely philosophical (or theological if you want) rather than based on any real understanding of the complex physics and for that alone, I tend to overcompensate with my scepticism.
Then I read this and realised it was all a dream.
In the real world... the Manchester Uni's Gilbert and Sullivan Society has completed its run of 'The Pirates of Penzance'. It was a load of fun but veeery stressful, especially concerning costumes and costumes and, um, costumes. One of our leading members proposed to his long time girlfriend on stage (she said yes) and... well it was all good!
My sister has rediscovered an interest in education which I am relieved by, if only because as it was, she'd get more grief from everyone else who doesn't really get where she's coming from. She has always been extremely sceptical of University (a betrayal of middle class Nigerian expectations yes indeed we have a revolutionary in our midst) and hadn't considered it all in her future plans. Then I suggested that she go to the UCL Friday evening lectures, if only to give her something to broaden her horizons, as she finds school incredibly boring (and that has at least a little something to do with her aversion to Uni) but is really interested in science. That and it would be nice to have someone to talk to about science related stuff which - and this might sound strange - I have to say I haven't had the opportunity to thus far at Uni (or at least, with other physics students. Within my 'circle of acquaintances' as it were. That is. *sighs* It's all rather depressing).
Now, after a series of lectures, she's become really into genetics and bioengineering and is having surprisingly serious thoughts about future studies in those or related areas. Unfortunately she hates biology, but having spoken to various professors etc etc, she's learnt that an A level in Chemisty and Physics should compensate. She can always take an AS in Biology besides, if she charms her teacher enough.
Even if it's just a phase - which it probably is. At her age I had forensic science in mind, until I learned that the stuff one could do with a physics degree was actually sort of boring. Well, to me back then. Now, it seems oddly and worryingly appealing...) - I'm glad she's got something that interests her. It used to piss her off that she didn't, (which pissed her off even more that she should give a damn about having 'something to work for' or not) so at least now she's somewhat content.
Amazing no?
Even more amazing as over the Easter holidays, I joked around with my sisters that I'm beginning to hope physicists completely fail in their quest (to find anything really. The answer to mass, a complete string theory, super symmetry etc etc) not so much because I'd honestly enjoy it, but because it appeals to my rather miserable sense of humour. What can I say? I like failure. There's something that appeals to my black humour to think of us spending billions and billions of pounds on something that will give us an answer no matter what... just not one we want.
On the topic of a Theory of Everything, I have to say I am a complete agnostic now. Mostly because now I'm actually learning the very very basics of the mathematics that's employed, it all seems a lot less... substantial. I can't think of a better way to explain myself to be honest but it all seems so much more random than they make out in the Popular Science type of books that the idea of a unified theory that does any better than state 'it exists' sometimes seems almost laughable.
I also have to be very honest and say that - as is so often the case - a lot of my scepticism comes from the fact that... no one else seems to be (and furthermore it doesn't matter if I'm sceptical because I'm only a mediocre Physics undergrad). I have nothing against the 'atheistic transcendentalism' that drives the quest for toE. But the thing with ideas concerning the transcendent is that they could all too easily be false extrapolations, or - conversely - useful interpolations that only become useful (and life-affirming and beautiful and all that other crap they say to get funding) in light of all the facts as opposed to in the process of finding those facts.
There is a philosophical bias towards the idea of some grand underlying, symmetry-affirming theory which is beautiful and interesting. No really. I have nothing against it as I too tend towards that bias as well (and quite naturally too). However, on my part that is, if any 'reason' exists, then it is purely philosophical (or theological if you want) rather than based on any real understanding of the complex physics and for that alone, I tend to overcompensate with my scepticism.
Then I read this and realised it was all a dream.
In the real world... the Manchester Uni's Gilbert and Sullivan Society has completed its run of 'The Pirates of Penzance'. It was a load of fun but veeery stressful, especially concerning costumes and costumes and, um, costumes. One of our leading members proposed to his long time girlfriend on stage (she said yes) and... well it was all good!
My sister has rediscovered an interest in education which I am relieved by, if only because as it was, she'd get more grief from everyone else who doesn't really get where she's coming from. She has always been extremely sceptical of University (a betrayal of middle class Nigerian expectations yes indeed we have a revolutionary in our midst) and hadn't considered it all in her future plans. Then I suggested that she go to the UCL Friday evening lectures, if only to give her something to broaden her horizons, as she finds school incredibly boring (and that has at least a little something to do with her aversion to Uni) but is really interested in science. That and it would be nice to have someone to talk to about science related stuff which - and this might sound strange - I have to say I haven't had the opportunity to thus far at Uni (or at least, with other physics students. Within my 'circle of acquaintances' as it were. That is. *sighs* It's all rather depressing).
Now, after a series of lectures, she's become really into genetics and bioengineering and is having surprisingly serious thoughts about future studies in those or related areas. Unfortunately she hates biology, but having spoken to various professors etc etc, she's learnt that an A level in Chemisty and Physics should compensate. She can always take an AS in Biology besides, if she charms her teacher enough.
Even if it's just a phase - which it probably is. At her age I had forensic science in mind, until I learned that the stuff one could do with a physics degree was actually sort of boring. Well, to me back then. Now, it seems oddly and worryingly appealing...) - I'm glad she's got something that interests her. It used to piss her off that she didn't, (which pissed her off even more that she should give a damn about having 'something to work for' or not) so at least now she's somewhat content.