How do we know Einstein has it right?

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We constantly say that Einstein’s General and Special theories of relativity have passed many different tests, insenuating their accuracy.

Before Einsten, we tested Isaac Newton’s theories, which also passed with accuracy until Einstein came along.

What’s to say another Einstein/Newton comes along 200-300 years from now to dispute Einstein’s theories?

Is that even possible or are his theories grounded in certainty at this point?

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41 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The scientific method allows for better theories without a problem, in fact it encourages it.

The model we have is just that: a model to understand how things work so we can predict (within certain limits) what will happen. Theories have proven to be able to do that.

Observations where the predictions aren’t compliant with reality is where it gets highly interesting to do more research. E.g. Newtonian mechanics cannot explain Mercury’s orbit around the sun. That orbit can however be explained using general relativity.

FWIW we do know there are limits to what Einstein’s work can be used for. Both the very small: quantum and gravity aren’t unified, as well as the very large (we need dark energy and dark matter to correct things). But neither of that makes it wrong, it’s just a limit of what the model is able to do, and understanding those limits is an integral part of it, just as those limits show where the opportunities and improvement lie.

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