[FOM] Hilbert's 6th Problem:Axioms for Physics

[Laura Elena Morales Gro.]

On Fri, 23 Jan 2004, Martin Davis wrote:

> In reading what Hilbert said, it is important to keep in mind that 
> this was in 1900 before relativity and quantum theory, when it might 
> appear that physics as a field for fundamental investigation was coming 
> to an end, and what was left was to tidy up the loose ends.
> 
How right is Martin. Yes, at the end of the XIX century, they thought they 
had build the big edificie of physics which was just about to absorb 
optics and electromagnetism as well, and in doing so, reaching the unity 
of all physics. Many renowned scientists thought that the edifice had already 
even reached it. Only small details of little importance were left. But in
those last details, it ended up failing... and catastrophically.

Best wishes,
LE