Why scientific theories need not make predictions

The Last Theory

In my exploration of Wolfram Physics, I’ve come across one objection more than any other.

Over and over again, people have told me that the Wolfram model must be rejected because it makes no predictions.

I could respond by saying that Wolfram Physics does make predictions. It predicts Einstein’s equations. It predicts Schrödinger’s equation.

But it’s true that it doesn’t make any predictions that differ from those of general relativity and quantum mechanics. At least, not yet.

So here’s my more robust response to the objection: all scientific theories make no predictions when they’re first formulated.

If we dismiss any new theory solely because it doesn’t make any predictions, then we’d dismiss all new theories.

It’s time for academics to learn the lessons of the history of science, and open their minds to bold, new ideas, like Wolfram Physics.

—

Ideas:

• Tycho Brahe
• The paths of the planets are elliptical according to Johannes Kepler
• Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica by Isaac Newton
• Astronomers’ test of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity
• Against Method by Paul Feyerabend
• The Newtonian Casino by Thomas Bass

Ancient astronomies:

• Egyptian astronomy
• Babylonian astronomy
• Inca astronomy

Images:

• Paul Feyerabend Berkeley by Grazia Borrini-Feyerabend reproduced with permission

—

The Last Theory is hosted by Mark Jeffery, founder of the Open Web Mind

I release The Last Theory as a video too! Watch here.

The full article is here.

Kootenay Village Ventures Inc.