Thread

1. jimbokun · 1789667116 · focus · HN ↗

   Did Dirac’s prediction that studying “beautiful” mathematics would lead to breakthroughs in the understanding of Physics pan out?

   1. lacker · 1789670512 · focus · HN ↗

      Yes, quite well in fact. This lecture was in 1939. In the 50's, Lie groups (previously just a pure, beautiful mathematics) were used in particle physics. Gell-Mann used SU(3) to predict some new particles before anyone observed them.

      And then similar stuff happened later in quantum mechanics, with gauge theory, but I understand that only at a handwavy level. I think overall the "standard model" is a perfect example of what Dirac predicted.

      Whether this still holds up in the past 40 years is another question. I don't have a great example from my lifetime.

      1. GoblinSlayer · 1789675742 · focus · HN ↗

         The standard model is completely accidental, no? Also hierarchy problem.

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