How do we know we can actaully figure out how things work? What if it isnt possible to find a theory of everything (UFT)? Is there a way to prove that it is or isnt possible to find one? Related to that, do we have enough information to really determine how our universe formed or could it be a black box? Could there have been multiple ways that the universe we see today could have formed?

Let me know what you think of these questions everyone. thanks.

Your first question is interesting, maybe more research should be done in that direction, so we know if we're wasting our time or not! Anyway, for some theories at least it is possible to prove there is no general theory, such as the solution of a quintic equation. To prove that a theory must exist... I don't know, I haven't heard of any examples.

However, the quintic was a pure maths question, and I doubt that proving the same for a UFT would be anywhere near as simple.

As to the origin of the Universe, I'd have thought that it was possible only to find better models, not a 'definitely right' solution, which is kind of a definition of physics!

Finally, I'd say there are multiple possibilities for the formation of the Universe, but only one is correct:D

Originally posted by geodesic
Finally, I'd say there are multiple possibilities for the formation of the Universe, but only one is correct:D

I dont even know about that! Ever heard of the many worlds theory?:eek:

Originally posted by cephas1012
How do we know we can actaully figure out how things work? What if it isnt possible to find a theory of everything (UFT)? Is there a way to prove that it is or isnt possible to find one?

If you can, you should investigate Gödel's incompleteness theorem.

I dont even know about that! Ever heard of the many worlds theory?

Yes, but that doesn't mean they necessarily formed in a different way, just had different starting conditions. If you want to move a ball, there are many ways of doing it, but even if you use the same way every time, the force you apply, the contact time etc.
Unless of course you think that a 'different way' means any change at all.