8 Summary of Week 8

This week has explored the limits of mathematics, and the important questions that arise around scientific theory. Our description of nature is based on theories which are mathematical models of nature that have been corroborated by experimental observations.

So, can we ever know whether a theory is actually correct? And can we be certain that it will never need to be refined or replaced? The answer is a resounding ‘no’! All we can say is that a theory explains all experimental observations we have made so far. We’ll never be certain that discrepancies won’t arise as we look deeper into nature, whether this involves shorter/longer times and distances than we could access before. Theories have been developing in line with scientific progress, and will continue to develop, through experimental discoveries that contradict predictions from the current theories, and our continuing efforts to improve and unify existing theories.

We can never be sure that we have arrived at the final stage of this endeavour, but with each step we gain additional insight into the mysteries of nature.