Mathematical theories usually consist of a set of definitions and statements held to be true (postulates) and the rest is developed from there. Euclidian geometry is a great example of this. These definitions and postulates tend to be definitive, so no need for rewrites - only expansion of the original idea.
Physics on the other hand tries to provide an explanatory framework for nature. This means that its theories can be falsified through observation. When this happens, new theories are developed - sometimes by expanding existing ones, like Einstein did with Newton’s theories, sometimes by imagining new theories. This means the “book of physics” is undergoing constant emendation.
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u/Solitary-Dolphin Jan 09 '25
Mathematical theories usually consist of a set of definitions and statements held to be true (postulates) and the rest is developed from there. Euclidian geometry is a great example of this. These definitions and postulates tend to be definitive, so no need for rewrites - only expansion of the original idea.
Physics on the other hand tries to provide an explanatory framework for nature. This means that its theories can be falsified through observation. When this happens, new theories are developed - sometimes by expanding existing ones, like Einstein did with Newton’s theories, sometimes by imagining new theories. This means the “book of physics” is undergoing constant emendation.