Our understanding of the four basic concepts of Physics -- space, time, matter and force -- has undergone radical change in the course of work on unification, starting with Maxwell's unification of electricity with magnetism, all the way to present day string theory. What started as four independent concepts, with space and time postulated and the possible forms of matter and force arbitrarily chosen, now appear as different aspects of a rich and novel dynamically determined structure.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Physics concepts have shifted from four independent ideas to interconnected aspects of a dynamic structure, as seen from Maxwell to string theory.
- In plain terms
- Our understanding of space, time, matter, and force has become unified.
- What can you take from it?
- Embrace the evolving, interconnected view of fundamental concepts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What evidence supports this unified view?
- How does this affect practical technology?
Another view
The claim is broad; not all physicists agree on the extent of unification.
More from Peter Freund
Think, for a moment, of a cheetah, a sleek, beautiful animal, one of the fastest on earth, which roams freely on the savannas of Africa. In its natural habitat…
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
The theory community, myself included - became rather troubled about the particle.
Bob JaffeBob Jaffe quote #1 Physics has entered a remarkable era. Ideas that were once the realm of science fiction are now entering our theoretical - and maybe even experimental - grasp.…
Lisa RandallLisa Randall quote #2 We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct.
Niels BohrNiels Bohr quote #6