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?
In: 593
> Newton’s theories, which also passed with accuracy
Actually, Newton’s theories were wrong about a couple things: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_law_of_universal_gravitation#Limitations. They were wrong about Mercury’s orbit and about how much gravity deflects light. Einstein’s theories fixed both those flaws.
> What’s to say another Einstein/Newton comes along 200-300 years from now to dispute Einstein’s theories?
We are actively trying to dispute his theories right now. The reason we’re so confident about his theories is because we haven’t been able to yet. (With the exception of the spinning of galaxies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_matter). Everything from black holes to time dilation to gravitational waves have been shown to be accurate.
Also, we already know his theories break down at the very small scales. For that, we have a completely separate theory called quantum mechanics. The current holy grail of physics is to unify relativity and quantum mechanics into the “theory of everything”. After all, if the whole universe obeys the same rules, then we shouldn’t need two separate theories to explain it all.
Latest Answers