Re: No new Einstein

markwh04@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> LEJ Brouwer wrote:
> > More specifically Einstein believed:
> > (c) That there exists a classical field theory unifying gravity,
> > electrodynamics and quantum theory.
> >
> > Anyone who poo-poos any of the above beliefs/visions of Einstein is
> > simply not of Einstein's calibre, and can neither hope to be, nor is
> > worthy of being, the next Einstein.
>
> "One can give good reasons why reality cannot at all be represented by
> a continuous field. From the quantum phenomenon it appears to follow
> with certainty that a finite system of finite energy can be completely
> described in terms of a finite set of numbers (quantum numbers). This
> does not seem to be in accordance with a continuum theory, and must
> lead to an attempt to find a purely algebraic theory for the
> description of reality. But nobody knows how to find the basis for
> such a theory"
>
> -- Albert Einstein, The Meaning of Relativity, 1956 (posthumous)

And let's not forget:

In 1936 Einstein wrote that: "To be sure, it has been pointed out that
the introduction of a space-time continuum may be considered as
contrary to nature in view of the molecular structure of everything
which happens on a small scale. It is maintained that perhaps the
success of the Heisenberg method points to a purely algebraical method
of description of nature, that is, to the elimination of continuous
functions from physics. Then, however, we must also give up, on
principal, the space-time continuum. It is conceivable that human
ingenuity will some day find methods which will make it possible to
proceed along such a path." (p. 319.)

In 1940 Einstein wrote that: "All attempts to represent the particle
and wave features displayed in the phenomena of light and matter, by
direct recourse to a space-time model, have so far ended in failure.
... For the time being, we have to admit that we do not possess any
general theoretical basis for physics, which can be regarded as its
logical foundation. ... Some physicists, among them myself, cannot
believe that we must abandon, actually and forever, the idea of direct
representation of physical reality in space and time; or that we must
accept the view that events in nature are analogous to a game of
chance." (p. 334.)

Both quotes from collected writings found in: A. Einstein. Ideas and
Opinions. (Crown, New York, 1954).

Regards,
Ed Hanna

.

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