Could it be so easy? (Why is space three-dimensional?)

In summary, a paper discussing the concept of three-dimensional space and the possibility of other dimensions being too tightly curled up for us to observe has sparked discussion among specialists. The paper presents a model for understanding the evolution of the Universe, but some question its assumptions and validity. The authors note that their approach is unique in attempting to determine dimensionality from a physical model. Other researchers may explore different models and their implications for the laws of physics.
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  • #2
The trouble with this sort of question is you have to be careful in your phrasing.
Maybe we observe 3+1 dimensions is because the other dimensions are curled up too tight for us to notice?
The paper depends on a model of how the Universe evolves, making assumptions about critical factors. The model may be wrong.
As the authors state right out, it is the general approach (finding dimensionality from an underlying physical model) that is different here.
No doubt others will look for other models to get other results.

I do remember seeing a chart for the kind of laws of physics you can get with n space-like coordinates and m time-like coordinates ... seem to have lost it.
 

Related to Could it be so easy? (Why is space three-dimensional?)

What is the concept of "Could it be so easy?"

The concept of "Could it be so easy?" refers to the idea that the fundamental laws of physics governing the universe may have a simple and elegant explanation, despite the complexity of the universe itself.

What does it mean for space to be three-dimensional?

Space being three-dimensional means that it has three spatial dimensions: length, width, and height. This is the most commonly accepted understanding of space in the field of physics.

Why do we perceive space as three-dimensional?

We perceive space as three-dimensional because that is how our brains interpret the information from our senses. Our visual system, for example, uses depth perception to determine the distance and position of objects in space, giving us a three-dimensional perception of our surroundings.

What evidence supports the idea that space is three-dimensional?

There is a significant amount of evidence from various fields of study, including physics, mathematics, and neuroscience, that supports the idea that space is three-dimensional. For instance, the laws of motion, such as Newton's laws, are based on the assumption that space is three-dimensional.

Are there any alternative theories that challenge the idea of three-dimensional space?

Yes, there are alternative theories, such as string theory, that propose more than three dimensions of space. However, these theories are still speculative and have not been fully supported by empirical evidence.

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