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But if the "bottom-up" of physics starts off on the wrong path, then just how useful is it in the advancement of physics? A jazz musician can learn dexterity from learning and playing Bach, but nothing of improvisation or jazz from that foundation. This "top down" is more the passive absorber of physics rather than the visionary who looks at the root of physics (meaning directly observing the interactions of matter and energy). I gotta say mzzz, you really sound like a snob when you discuss physics. You dismiss alternate studies of physics as though they are the work of laymen and inferiors, and forget that Einstein was treated the same way until his theories allowed the creation of the atomic bomb. Prior to that, Newton was the god of physics and anything outside of Newtonian physics was considered "superficial pop-sci". Just sayin.
Having said that, the reason people (and other physicists and students) are not interested in schoolbook physics is because it is stagnant and has really contributed very little in the way of useful science in the past 50 years. Not so with biology, astrophysics, chemistry, medicine, astronomy, physiology, etc. Entrenchment of the old physics stalwarts has turned "modern" physics into a club. It is stagnant. Applied physics is no different today than it was 100 years ago. Yet you dismiss alternate concepts as "superficial top down". Its a shame really.
--- merged: May 22, 2013 at 1:09 PM ---
You don't need to be a physicist to study any of that. Black holes (as defined by "modern" physics) may not even really EXIST. Same with strings, and time travel. And that guy was right when he said that some in science are short-sighted or wrong or both. Verbose writings and lengthy equations cannot legitimize flawed understandings. I find it very entertaining to read the lengthy journals of "science" written during the times when it was believed that the earth was the center of the universe, when maggots were believed to spontaneously manifest on spoiled meat, and when it was believed that lumps on the skull could tell you about the mental capacities of people. Be prepared to be snubbed by those who follow the hype faithfully without question, because to not do so would throw their entire feeling of self-importance into disarray.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Arrogance in physics (from 2003 and it has gotten worse):
http://burro.case.edu/Academics/USNA229/PTarrogance1.pdf