What Makes Physics Fun and Challenging for Scientists?

[hbarover2]

Hi all. Been reviewing some of the posts. Don't know if this is for me. The rules do seem a tad restrictive. I guess without reasonable boundaries human nature would dominate and things would inevitably degenerate.

I am a science writer. I am particularly interested in physics history, grey theoretical areas and challenging technical problems. As an engineer I have been involved in many different physics experiments during my career, thus I am a generally knowledgeable neophyte. I was blessed to work with some mavericks who sharpened my senses to the redolence of palaver.

I have little toleration for pomp, pretense and mediocrity, and a soft spot for curious amateurs. Relax, I have read the rules and will endeavor to behave myself within the specified constraints.

Physics is different things to different people. For me it is intellectually challenging and a continuous source of fun.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Welcome to PF! We're mainstream science education community.

 

[anorlunda]

Our mission statement says it well "Our goal is to provide a community for people (whether students, professional scientists, or hobbyists) to learn and discuss science as it is currently generally understood and practiced by the professional scientific community."

One of our members said, "Thinking out of the box is admirable. But first you must learn what is in the box. PF is a place to learn what's in the box." If that's what you're looking for, you'll enjoy it here.

 

[hbarover2]

Thanks, got it. I would point out that thinking out of the box is far beyond admirable. It is essential for physics.
"If at first the idea does not seem absurd, there is no hope for it" Now who said that? "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies" was an absurd paper, or was it?

I think there should be a forum on this site called 'The Dumpster'. In the Dumpster there are no rules. Well maybe only 4--no profanity whatsoever, no numerical formalism, don't badger the amateurs unless they are asking for it in spades and don't bring up topics that obviously endanger national security. Anything else is fair game if it is within the broad realm of physics. Questioning the dogma in the grey areas is encouraged behavior in The Dumpster. Keep it good natured but be a nutcracker if you are adept at utilizing the English language--educated banter is entertaining.

If The Dumpster is a viable option I imagine I will enjoy PF. Physics doesn't have to be cut and dry, there is plenty of latitude. It can even be fun. How can a physicist think outside the box when they have become the box? It is a sublime non-sequitur. Some gems of wisdom come by way of the amateurs because they are not constrained to reason via inveterate academic acumen but rather via intuition. One can also expect galimatias. It is like a box of chocolates...

best

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

If The Dumpster is a viable option I imagine I will enjoy PF.

We had a dumpster forum for like 8 years and it didn't work. We are a mainstream science education community. There are other forums that allow your level of speculation.

 

[rootone]

You won't get in trouble for questioning what is currently mainstream science,
Things can only get difficult if you were to use the forum to expound about alternatives to what is currently mainstream,

 

[hbarover2]

Greg, what was the metric for judgment: "it didn't work". It didn't work for who? Did the amateurs go hog wild and belligerently badger the experts with profanity? Do you remember the part in the Wizard of Oz where Toto pulls back the curtain to reveal the Great Wizard of Oz. The childhood lesson there is that things are not always as they seem. I did like the Wizard though.

Root, it would be pointless and disrespectful to carelessly question that which has been engendered via the intellectual toil of my brothers and sisters in physics, however, if born of research I discover a piece of the puzzle which does not fit then it becomes fair game. In historical perspective a logical mind cannot deny this is the process of enlightenment, although if you believe otherwise it would make an interesting thread.

best

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I understand your position, but this matter is not open for debate. Our mission is set and that is to discuss mainstream science.

 

[Vanadium 50]

ome gems of wisdom come by way of the amateurs because they are not constrained to reason via inveterate academic acumen but rather via intuition. One can also expect galimatias. It is like a box of chocolates...

Well, it's certainly brown and aromatic.

 

[berkeman]

OP has left the building. What's that aroma? Thread is closed.