2.4 Combining Theories
-
-
Quantum mechanics and general relativity are two of the biggest tenets in modern physics. Both, in their own right, have been studied extensively and work extremely well for their respective tasks. But inconsistencies arise when trying to combine the two. Is this a major or a minor problem, in your opinion? Is it okay to have two separate theories that both stand independently, even if they cannot merge?
-
July 20, 2021 at 9:28 pm
The state of no working, experimentally validated theory of quantum gravity is a problem for physicists but not the universe. It is okay to have solid working frameworks that make accurate, testable predictions at vastly different scales, and it will be wonderful when a workable, working theory of quantum gravity is discovered. I believe that the Copenhagen Interpretation is also waiting for a solution that goes beyond Feynman’s motto, “shut up and calculate.” Perhaps Quantum Gravity will also point the way to a solution for what underlies Quantum mechanics.
-
-
October 14, 2021 at 5:57 pm
I would say it’s a paradigm shift kind of problem. So far we’ve taken classical theories and quantized them. But in the case of gravity, the right thing to do would be to start with quantum mechanics and “classicize” it to get gravity: the other way around of what we’ve been doing so far.
Why? Because Nature is quantum mechanical so we should start quantum mechanical, too.
-
January 18, 2022 at 9:51 am
I don’t think that we have to describe the universe with only one theory. And I think that also because of it, that we can not solve the problem of dark matter. Maybe the universe doesn’t really have only the dimensions that we already know. And if there is more dimensions, maybe there is also more theorys, or more particles, or both, and maybe one day we can explain it all together. And I believe that if there is only one theory, that’s the Strings theory.
-
February 8, 2022 at 5:29 pm
I would say in the upcoming future physicist will definitely resolve for quantum gravity. For the time being I would say it is not a problem as they both explain the fundamental frameworks of the universe. But a combination of b0th will definitely lead to greater discoveries.
-
May 16, 2022 at 12:43 pm
There is a chance that none of these theories are perfect through and through so unless we can deduce a solid theory, it is justified for many theories to co-exist. This will allow scientists to work on the theories by learning from each other.
-
August 31, 2022 at 7:04 am
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allowing for String Theory to explain the uncertainties of gravity are a way to update science in the 1970 era.
We can account for all the science of the strong and weak forces and for electromagnetism, but on it`s own, gravity seems to defy being identified by theories prior to String Theory.
Of the four forces of the universe, String Theory holds tests and predictions necessary to any theoretical model.
Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files. -
January 23, 2024 at 9:14 pm
The combination of these two biggest principles is one of the biggest problems in my opinion. Each theory describes its respective regime, one for large scales and the other for the subatomic world. Combining these two types of greatness really is a challenge and that is why we are looking for this attempt. Claiming to be correct or not is hasty.
-
April 28, 2026 at 9:52 am
In my opinion it is quite alright for these theories to exist independently as both of them are of great importance. And as for the inconsistencies that arise while merging these two theories, it is most likely to happen because one theory applies to large scales while the other is complete opposite . So, it would be most likely a major problem if both of these are merged.
-
April 29, 2026 at 12:13 am
i fink its fine two heave separate theories , as long as they
-
May 2, 2026 at 2:32 pm
It’s a major problem. Each theory is a piece of one puzzle; we must integrate them to achieve the progress needed for total understanding.
-
May 3, 2026 at 11:18 am
The friction between general relativity and quantum mechanics represents the ultimate “unfinished business” of modern science. While each theory is a masterpiece of precision relativity guiding us through the vast, curving cosmos and quantum mechanics through the jittery world of the atom they are fundamentally different languages. General relativity treats spacetime like a smooth, predictable sheet of spandex, whereas quantum mechanics views the world as a chaotic, pixelated froth of probability. Because they refuse to speak to one another at extreme scales, like the heart of a black hole, physicists remain in a state of “functional dualism.” It works for now, but it suggests that we are looking at two different shadows cast by a single, deeper reality we have yet to discover.
-
This reply was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by
ISSMAIL EL ABBAZ.
-
This reply was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by
-
May 11, 2026 at 1:46 pm
There is basically unfinished business between the quantum mechanics and science
-
May 17, 2026 at 4:05 am
Do we need a single combined theory to describe everything we see?
Some would say yes, there must be a way to write down a “formula” for how the universe works from the smallest particle and force to the largest mass and galaxy etc.
Maybe we don’t know enough yet to be able to combine it all together.
There may be another “quantum leap” to release a new subject area to expand our knowledge base. -
June 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Title: A temporary divorce, but not a permanent one
I think the inability to merge quantum mechanics and general relativity is a major problem – but only if we claim we already have a final theory of everything. Since we don’t, it’s perfectly fine to keep them separate for now.
Here’s a simple analogy: Newton’s laws and Einstein’s relativity also contradict each other at high speeds. But we still teach Newton in high school because it works perfectly for 99% of everyday situations. The contradiction doesn’t stop us from building bridges or launching rockets.
The same is true here. Quantum mechanics works beautifully for atoms. General relativity works beautifully for stars and galaxies. The only place they both break down is inside black holes and at the Big Bang. That’s a tiny fraction of the universe – but it’s the most interesting fraction.
So no, it’s not “okay” to leave them separate forever. A complete picture of reality must be one picture. But for now, using two separate tools is not a failure – it’s just a sign that we’re still exploring. String theory is our best attempt to build the single tool. We just need to test it.
-
You must be logged in to reply to this discussion.
