0
$\begingroup$

The so-called Ultimate Question is the question whose answer is a Theory-of-Everything. The trouble is that as far as I can tell theoretical physics are not certain what the question is they're trying to solve.

In quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, which has a separate notion of time, it seems like everything is contained in a function $\Delta_t(A,B)$ where $\Delta$ maps an initial and final state and a duration, $t$ to a complex number (called an amplitude). And according to the rules of quantum mechanics this function must also satisfy:

$$\int \Delta_t(A,B)\Delta_{t'}(B,C)dB = \Delta_{t+t'}(A,C)$$

In the case of quantum gravity where time is not independent but a property of the states themselves. It seems like everything is contained within the function $\Delta(A,B)$, where this time:

$$\int_\Sigma \Delta(A,B)\Delta(B,C)dB = \Delta(A,C)$$

Where $\Sigma$ is a smooth surface in the space of physical states separating the states $A$ and $C$. i.e. any smooth path from $A$ to $C$ must pass through one of the states $B$. (Similar to how Cauchy's theorem works). Which is just another way of saying you sum over (a complete set of) intermediate states.

So it seems like if we had a set of states, an amplitude function $\Delta$, and an initial condition $O$. Then this would specify a complete set of laws of nature.

The second equation seems to suggest that for sufficiently complicated states, a notion of diffeomorphism symmetry would help satisfy this equation, but other then that it doesn't seem very restrictive. (At least not restrictive enough that the answer should be Supergravity or Superstrings).

What other axioms must be satisfied. In other words, how can one formulate the Ultimate Question in a mathematically precise way?

$\endgroup$
1
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ I think it is a somewhat narrow view of theoretical physics: besides the fundamental questions, like those that you mention, there is plenty of theory work dealing with unexplained experimental facts in various fields of physics (e.g., condensed matter has plenty to offer) and practical applications. $\endgroup$
    – Roger V.
    Sep 30, 2020 at 11:28

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

Here is the wiki explanation of aTheory of Everything, TOE.

A theory of everything (TOE1 or ToE), final theory, ultimate theory, or master theory is a hypothetical single, all-encompassing, coherent theoretical framework of physics that fully explains and links together all physical aspects of the universe.

italics mine.

What is a theory in physics? It is a mathematical model which fits existing data and is predictive of new data. Laws, postulates, principles distillates of physical observations, are used as extra axioms, to pick from the mathematical solutions those solutions consistent and predictive of data.

A theory of everything would have to embed existing successful physical theories and would have to predict new data to be checked. The axioms to be satisfied are the existing data, encapsulated in the standard model at present. The standard model should emerge from a TOE similar to the way thermodynamics emerges from statistical mechanics.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.