The Final Theory

alexander · 11-03-2004

I remember this spring, I was browsing the web, searching for something, and came across the first chapter of the book "The Final Theory". So, today i was browsing this some threads on this site, and an ad saying something like "the mystery of physics soved", or something along the lines came up, interested, i clicked on it and the ad for "The Final Theory" came up. I was just wondering if anyone here read it, and if so what they thought if it...

I remember reading the first chapter, i also think the it was discussed here, but could not find the topic, or maybe it wasnt discussed and im imagining things.

sirbola · 01-22-2005

I read the book. Got it on interlibrary loan. Very thought provoking. Still evaluating what i just finished reading.

Non-Luddite · 01-29-2005

I read the book completely in a couple of weeks and am currently re-reading the entire book. Fascinating and challenging read. Mark McCutcheon is one audacious author. He does not hesitate to question any of the sacred cows of Standard Theory in science. A most refreshing approach.

I've just started looking for postings on the topic of "The Final Theory" and surely enough I am finding a lot of Luddite type postings. You may remember the Luddites opposed advancing technology because it threatened their jobs. Well, in this case, I believe "The Final Theory" will challenge all who are stuck in the mud for any reason, be it job security, ego, intellectual investment, bigotry, closed mindedness, infantile intellectuosity etc..

I find much to recommend the book. Anyone who reads part of the book and jumps to a negative conclusion and ceases to read will have done themselves one huge disservice. The author very logically unfolds his ideas in sequence throughout the book.

I'm going to be very interested to watch the public discussion develop and even to participate.

Skepticism is most appropriate when reading and contemplating "The Final Theory" but so is logical analysis, withholding judgment until proven right or wrong, treating it as a hypothesis worthy of both thought experiments and physical experiments and rational scientific enquiry.

I believe the testing, discussion and analysis of this theory is going to be enormous good fun and I hope there are a lot of intellectually honest people who will read and proceed with such. The theory deserves the best we've got. Who knows it could well be correct. And, if correct, the theory's wonderful simplicity will be a great boon to continuing technological development.

If you are opposed to Mark's theory, fine, but, please be intellectually honest enough to give as logical and rational explanations as Mark has given to explain your rational. Or else, just admit your opposition is emotional or irrational or whatever and go on with your life as the rest of us will go on with ours.

Tormod · 01-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Non-Luddite

If you are opposed to Mark's theory, fine, but, please be intellectually honest enough to give as logical and rational explanations as Mark has given to explain your rational. Or else, just admit your opposition is emotional or irrational or whatever and go on with your life as the rest of us will go on with ours.

For a first post, this is a remarkable statement. Why not share some of the IDEAS this book covers, and not only tell us how brilliant it is?

Opposition does not have to irrational. This is ridiculous.

Moonchild · 01-30-2005

Well, I guess I'm one of the people who hated McCutcheon with all his heart. McCutcheon is a crutch for bad science. I particularly loathe the way he dismisses all the greatest thinkers before him - he doesn't even politely thank them for trying to determine the mysteries of the universe, he rudely dismisses them entirely. McCutcheon's novel is written as though he has only meager knowledge of physics and cosmology. The guy's a jerk.

Non-Luddite · 01-30-2005

Tormod, you make a very logical request. Why not discuss points in the book? I have been debating that one with myself for several days. I'm torn because the book unfolds like a detective novel and I hesitate to give away the key points and the surprise near the end to anyone who has not read the book.

I admire and honor the effort and thought that author's put into their works and hesitate to degrade the rewards they reap for their efforts.

So far I have been unable to figure out how to conduct a public discussion with only people who have read the entire book having access to the discussion except by email on a one to one or one to many basis.

Forum's are a double edged sword, both good and bad. Good when the participants are on equal or near equal footing on a topic and bad when an unequal foundation provides no basis for effective and worthwhile discussion.

For now, I shall hold my peace until I find a quorum of like minded and adequately prepared participants.

Non-Luddite · 01-31-2005

Moonchild, I guess you and I read two different books. In the book I read, Mark gave consistent and very adequate credit for all that has been accomplished because of the work of Galileo, Descartes, Newton, Einstein and others, but, he also pointed out the limitations particularly in Newton's and Einstein's works. Limitations that do exist regardless of any new theories that might be proposed. Limitations such as those in Newton's work which motivated Einstein to propose his alternate theory of gravity. Limitations which currently drive others to continue to propose additional ideas to explain or provide a work-around for our observations.

He clearly points out where the two theories of gravity proposed by Newton and Einstein are used in our modern day engineering and science activities

My feelings are that he has done a great job of dispassionate analysis of the current state of our engineering and scientific environment.

Tormod · 01-31-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Non-Luddite

I admire and honor the effort and thought that author's put into their works and hesitate to degrade the rewards they reap for their efforts.

No you don't. You hesitate to share the content of this book because...

Quote:

So far I have been unable to figure out how to conduct a public discussion with only people who have read the entire book having access to the discussion except by email on a one to one or one to many basis.

You seem to have very low thoughts of us. Good luck on your search for another "quorum" - there should be loads of them out there who are interested in discussing stuff with you. I know we are.

But it is near impossible to discuss something without knowing what your opinion on a subject is - or even what the subject is.

maddog · 01-31-2005

Well I would be willing to discuss it. Sadly, I haven't read the book yet. Bum.

However, I have read a book that I do recommend and I promise not to give too much
away. Like this other author, the book I'm thinking of covers all sorts of things and isn't
what material this author normally covers. The book I am thinking of is "God's Debris",
by Scott Adams. Yes, that Scott Adams of Dilbert fame. Now he swears this is a serious
treatment and a novel at that. Well, I have to admit it was Really Good! However, I
don't think Scott has got a serious side to him.

The story gets into all sorts of things mystical, religious, non-scientific (esp. that dressed
in scientific clothing) and such. It was hard to keep reading after ROTFLMAO! Yet, I
couldn't stop reading it. There supposedly is a sequel. I am looking for it now. This
came out a year or so ago. I am sorry I missed it then. This book is great.

Now for the McCuthean book, I will look for it. Is this a Sci Fi novel, Christian Fi, ???
What?

Maddog