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The disunity of science is a feature, not a bug
Mathematical models wield miraculous power, but mistaking them for reality has trapped science in a destructive quest for a “Theory of Everything.” Physicist and philosopher Ragner Fjelland argues that this leads to bloated, Frankenstein theories kept alive by clumsy, ad-hoc amendments, which reduce rather than boost science’s power. Fjelland calls for a radical shift in our attitude: we must reorientate towards creating entirely new theories, celebrating rather than lamenting disunity and diversity in science. Science, from the scientific revolution in the seventeenth century to the present day, has more or less developed in a “reductionist” way. The fundamental assumption is that all sciences may be ordered in a hierarchy that can be represented as an upside-down pyramid. At the top we find the human sciences, and at the bottom physics. Strong (or “ontological”) reductionism maintains that all theories at one level can be completely reduced to the lower level, all the way down to theories of atoms and elementary particles, or whatever is “at the bottom.” In the end, all diversity in the world can be unified in one fundamental theory. Hence it is called a final theory, or a Theory of Everything.One of the central figures in developing the idea of a Theory of Everything is the Dutch theoretical physicist Gerard 't Hooft, who received a Nobel Prize in physics in 1999 for his work. He emphasizes the non-empirical status of the theory:There exists no closely resembling alternative theory. This means that any slight change brought about in the rules would make the theory unlikely or inelegant. The theory will be a "package deal": take it, or leave it. This should hold both for the local laws and for the boundary conditions.This endeavor is not new. On the contrary, it goes all the way back to the birth of Western philosophy 2,500 years ago. The Babylonians made regular astronomical observations during a period of 600 years, from 747 BCE until 150 ACE. They developed mathematical techniques to predict astronomical phenomena, but they made no attempts at explaining them. However, the Greeks developed models, both material and theoretical, to explain the observed phenomena.The best example is Plato’s late dialogue Timaeus. Here he introduces a divine craftsman, the Demiurge, who has constructed the universe according to an original plan. Plato seems to have thought that the original plan is what is actually real, while the material world is merely an imperfect realization of it. He therefore does not, in the Timaeus, reconstruct the material universe, but the original plan, which can then be used to explain the material universe.Plato’s aim in producing a theoretical model is to reconstruct the original plan. That is what he carries out in Timaeus—and some modern physicists have embarked on the same project. For example, Einstein’s basic attitude is reflected in the title of Abraham Pais’ biography: “Subtle is the Lord...,” echoing Einstein’s comment, “Subtle is the Lord, but malicious He is not.” In an interview Einstein compared our situation to a child who enters a huge library. The child knows that someone has written the books, but he does not know the languages in which they are written. He suspects that there is a mysterious order, but he does not know what it is.___“We have all been working in what Husserl called the Galilean style; that is, we have all been making abstract mathematical models of the universe to which at least the physicists give a higher degree of reality than they accord the ordinary world of sensation.”Steven Weinberg, Nobel Prize in Physics (1979)___This Platonist view is contrary to a widespread impression of science, symbolized by the picture of the “father” of modern science, Galileo Galilei, with his telescope. According to this impression, Galileo liberated himself from the dominating metaphysics of his day—basically Aristotelian philosophy—and constructed a telescope that he directed towards the sky, showing that Jupiter has four moons. He also performed experiments with bronze balls rolling down inclined planes and found the law of freely falling bodies.However, in other cases Galileo emphasized the unreliability of our senses. It is easy to see why. He defended Copernicus’ heliocentric hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we are not at rest at the center of the universe, but moving at a tremendous speed through space. Why don’t we observe this motion? Galileo praises Copernicus because “with reason as his guide he resolutely continued to affirm what sensible experience seemed to contradict.” In other places he directly refers to Plato. SUGGESTED VIEWING The quest for a final theory With Michio Kaku Galileo’s Platonism goes back to his early writings. In The Assayer, published as early as 1623, Galileo compared the universe to a grand book that is written in the language of mathematics, and “its characters are triangles, circles, and other geometric figures without which it is humanly impossible to understand a single word of it.” Therefore, things that cannot be described by mathematics—for example, colors, smells and odors—are not real. They are merely subjective.This division into subjective and objective, advocated by Galileo and his younger contemporary René Descartes, is normally associated with a mechanistic world view, which is regarded as the opposite of Platonism. When we reduce something to, for example, molecules and atoms, we move “downwards.” In contrast, the Platonist moves “upwards,” to abstract entities. However, it only shows that when we address fundamental questions, we should be careful in applying everyday spatial metaphors like “up” and “down.”___Nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world.___The endeavor of finding a Theory of Everything has been heavily criticized. In 2006, the theoretical physicist Lee Smolin published “The Crisis in Fundamental Physics.” He argued that one of the most fundamental principles of science is that we should only regard theories as scientific if we have the possibility to show that they are false by experiments. Although he did not refer to Karl Popper, other critics have referred to Popper and argued that a theory is not scientific if it cannot be falsified (see for example Ellis & Silk 2014).These were not the first physicists to be anti-reductionists. In 1972, the journal Science published an article by the physicist Philip Anderson with the title “More Is Different.” This is the kind of article a scientist would normally write only after he has won a Nobel Prize. However, Anderson won the Nobel Prize for physics five years later, in 1977. The article is amazing, not primarily because it argues in favor of anti-reductionism in general, but because it argues for anti-reductionism within physics itself. Anderson’s conclusion was:At each stage entirely new laws, concepts, and generalizations are necessary, requiring inspiration and creativity to just as great a degree as in the previous one. Psychology is not applied biology, nor is biology applied chemistry.We may say that Plato started the “unity of science movement,” based on Euclidean geometry as the model of all knowledge. A distinguishing mark of geometry is that all possible constructions can be reduced to a few fundamental principles. We have to acknowledge that this approach has limitations. In general, we can easily model technological systems. In addition, we may construct simplified and idealized models that capture important aspects of systems, from various perspectives and for various purposes. But nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world. In a complex system, each level has its distinct, emergent, properties that are characteristic of this level. Therefore, a complex system should be investigated at different levels and from different perspectives. Instead of exclusively pursuing a scientific ideal based on the unity of science, we should acknowledge the diversity—or even the disunity—of science.
These 5 Atlanta arts venues will open new or renovated spaces in 2026, 2027
Atlanta has a sizable list of new venues poised to open in the next two years, while favorites like Fernbank Museum and Woodruff Arts Center are getting upgrades.
I worked remotely on a cross-country Amtrak train. The views were unbeatable, but I wish I'd known 3 things.
Working remotely on a 43-hour Amtrak train offered stunning views, but a reliable hotspot and backup power are essential.
NYT Strands Hints for Dec. 24, 2025
Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.
Opinion | Trump’s War on Public Health Is a Battle to the Death
The war on public health is a battle to the death.
Video: Why Scientists Are Performing Brain Surgery on Monarchs
Scientists in Texas are studying monarch butterflies to understand how they navigate thousands of miles, possibly by sensing Earth’s magnetic field. Alexa Robles-Gil explains how researchers are examining the butterflies’ brains to find answers.
Quitting a job to go on a European road trip helped her rethink her career
Nurya Doorenbos took a five-month European road trip to figure out what she truly wanted to do for work.
In Pursuit of the Monarch’s Magnetic Sense
The magnetic compass is the last unknown sense in migrating animals. For some scientists, the monarch butterfly is leading the way.
In Pursuit of the Monarch’s Magnetic Sense
The magnetic compass is the last unknown sense in migrating animals. For some scientists, the monarch butterfly is leading the way.
Critical n8n Flaw (CVSS 9.9) Enables Arbitrary Code Execution Across Thousands of Instances
Critical n8n flaw CVE-2025-68613 (CVSS 9.9) lets authenticated users run arbitrary code; versions 0.211.0–1.120.4 affected, patched in newer releases.
Science history: Anthropologist sees the face of the 'Taung Child' — and proves that Africa was the cradle of humanity
Over a century ago, anthropologist Raymond Dart chipped an ancient skull out of some rock from an ancient quarry — and revealed the face of an ancient human relative.
By The Numbers: Purdue 88 Auburn 60
It was another dominating performance for the now #5 ranked Purdue Boilermakers as they dismantled the Auburn Tigers 88-60 inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the Indy Classic. With five players scoring in double digits and Braden Smith adding in 14 assists, the Tiger defense was befuddled most of the night as the Boilers scored 1.704 points […]
Miami-Dade Tax Collector cracks down on businesses with suspected ties to Cuba
Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez announced Monday that he revoked the licenses of 20 businesses suspected of engaging in trade with the Cuban regime.
'Call of Duty' co-creator Vince Zampella dead at 55
Zampella also founded Respawn Entertainment, which created hits like " Titanfall." He was a leader at DICE, of "Battlefield" fame.
A Year of Health Science Under Siege
When leaders mirror Stalin by promoting false dogma, we must defend evidence-based reason. Lives depend on it.
Full-length Replay: First Things First: OT
An extra hour of football highlights and analysis from First Things First.
Indiana's Curt Cignetti credits Nick Saban with showing him the ropes before CFP
The unbeaten coach of college football's No. 1 team has not forgotten his roots
10 things to watch for 2026: From the Politics Desk
The political storylines that will shape Washington and beyond in the new year.
From CIA officer to Governor: Abigail Spanberger on intelligence and politics : Sources & Methods
Virginia governor-elect Abigail Spanberger will be the first woman and the first former CIA officer to lead the commonwealth.Host Mary Louise Kelly talks to Spanberger about her unconventional career path that took her from Langley to D.C. and now to Richmond, and how some of her skills from gathering intelligence come in handy in politics. Email the show at sourcesandmethods@npr.orgNPR+ supporters hear every episode without sponsor messages and unlock access to our complete archive. Sign up at plus.npr.org.
Vince Zampella, video game developer behind 'Call of Duty' franchise, killed in mountain road crash
Vince Zampella is the former CEO of video game developers Infinity Ward, the studio behind the wildly successful "Call of Duty" franchise.
Vince Zampella, video game developer behind 'Call of Duty' franchise, killed in mountain road crash
Vince Zampella is the former CEO of video game developers Infinity Ward, the studio behind the wildly successful "Call of Duty" franchise.
Broncos’ missed tackles were a big problem vs. Jaguars
"We just have to be better," Broncos coach Sean Payton said of the team's missed tackles against the Jaguars.
Olympic sports weekend recap: Lindsey Vonn strong again, Kaillie Humphries' first win as mom
Lindsey Vonn made two more World Cup podiums to extend a strong start to the season.
Pop culture in 2025: A ring for Taylor, an ill-timed KissCam ... and whatever ‘6-7’ means
In a year of pop culture moments, some things were old and some things were very new.
Dave & Buster’s readying to open Santa Rosa entertainment venue
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These 50+ Houston scientists rank among world’s most cited
Fifty-one scientists and professors from Houston-area universities and institutions were named among the most cited in the world for their research in medicine, materials sciences and an array of other fields.
Small Business Support Hubs Spotlight: Battle Creek Food Reimagined
As a Small Business Support Hub and SmartZone, Battle Creek Food Reimagined provides support and a business ecosystem to empower Michigan’s food entrepreneurs
Federal legislation to hurt area healthcare, warn Neal, Baystate CEO
Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal sat on either side of a low table in front of about 150 officials, health industry leaders and community organizers.
The Times' high school sports athletes of the week for Dec. 14-20
Cast your vote for the Beaver County Times' fall high school sports athletes of the week for Dec. 14-20. The poll is open through noon Friday.
West Hartford Business Buzz: December 22, 2025 - We-Ha
A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses. Business Buzz is sponsored by NBT Bank, and we are very thankful for their support! By Ronni Newton It's rare for me to be breathing a sigh of relief with just days left before Christmas, but last week was so
One Protein Is a Better Predictor of Heart Disease Than Cholesterol
It's always more complicated.
Motorcycle groups make special delivery to UVA Health Children’s Hospital
Harrisonburg’s Proud American Riders and Brotherhood on Wheels made a heartfelt delivery to UVA Health Children’s.
Scottish Open: Chris Wakelin defeats Chang Bingyu in final to win title
England's Chris Wakelin wins eight frames in a row on his way to securing the Scottish Open title with a 9-2 victory over Chang Bingyu in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Fate of local TV sports broadcasts hinge on FanDuel Sports Network sale
Reported missed rights payment raises red flag as Main Street Sports Group looks to keep broadcast network for 13 NBA, 8 NHL, 9 MLB teams intact.
What is the winter solstice? Storm Team4 Meteorologist explains
Storm Team4 Meteorologist Ryan Miller explains how the Earth's rotation around the sun contributes to the winter solstice and other seasons.
How this 30-year-old turned her junk journaling hobby into a business after being laid off from her dream job
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Opinion | How to Reduce Surging Health Care Costs
Readers suggest ways to bring medical costs under control for average Americans. Also: Australia sets an example for the U.S. on gun laws.
Turning Point showcases the discord that Republicans like Vance will need to navigate in the future
Turning Point USA has endorsed Vice President JD Vance as the Republican nominee for the next presidential election.
Eagles grades by position after division-clinching win over Commanders
Here are the Eagles grades by position after a win to clinch the NFC East for the second straight season.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor race after Elise Stefanik drops bid
Blakeman became Stefanik's first notable challenger after entering the primary earlier this month.
Small business tax prep: These tools can save you time and money
Filing taxes can be a project for business owners. Here are some products that help you start prepping for the 2026 tax season.
Roob's Observations as Eagles head to playoffs for fifth straight year
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Providence's East Side businesses seek to recover after Brown University shooting
While the city starts to heal after the manhunt for the Brown University gunman came to a close, small business owners are hoping to eventually recover from the
TBD vs. Delaware State Hornets - Live Score
View the TBD vs. Delaware State Hornets women's basketball game played on December 21, 2025. View box score, stats, odds, highlights, play-by-play, social & more.
Toilet rats? Washington health officials warn of possible rodents in sewer systems after floods
The rodent advisory comes after Washington was hit with devastating floods this month.
Christmas tree lot sells trees from Colorado, keeping business local and helping thin wildfire fuels
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Track the moon and the weather with Science 4 Everyone!
Want to track the phases of the moon and the weather for the next two weeks with News4 Meteorologist Ryan Miller for Science 4 Everyone? Here’s everything you’ll need.
Mutzenberger returning as executive director of business services following Adams’ resignation - Eden Prairie Local News
Jason Mutzenberger previously served as Eden Prairie Schools' executive director of business services for almost a decade.
Chair of leading Turkish sports club Fenerbahce questioned in a drugs probe
ISTANBUL (AP) — The chair of Fenerbahce, one of Turkey’s leading sports clubs, was called to give testimony Saturday as part of an ongoing drug investigation involving high-profile entertainment and media figures.
Activist Ananym Capital urges LKQ to sell its European auto parts business
Divesting its European business means LKQ will be able to focus all its attention on its higher margin North American operations.
Opinion | Was 2025 the End of ‘Teflon Trump’?
Jamelle Bouie, Michelle Cottle and David French convene to discuss the year that was.
Letters to Sports: No defense for the Rams, or Bill Plaschke's prediction
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section share their thoughts on the Rams, Dodgers, UCLA and Mick Cronin, as well as the NBA Cup.
Kate Stenson uses talents as violinist, vocalist to create a business
Kate Stenson is utilizing her musical talents to create a performance business.
This Week in Science: 3I/ATLAS Passes Earth, a Runaway Black Hole, And More!
Our weekly science news roundup.
Rodent droppings found on doughnut rolling rack at Dunkin’ during health inspection
Health officials discovered the contamination on a rolling rack in the prep kitchen, the first rodent-related violation at the location since 2022.
Koch Political Operation Spent Nearly $550 Million During 2024 Cycle
The huge sum shows that while the Koch network may not hold significant power at high levels of the Republican Party, it remains a financial juggernaut.
Congress leaves town until 2026 with no health care deal, forcing premium hikes
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The sports business stories to watch in 2026
World Cup intrigue, F1’s Apple era, NBA expansion and more
The sports business stories to watch in 2026
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Leeds United vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview and Team News
Leeds United aim to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to four matches on Saturday night as they welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s side have found a new lease of life in th...
Sports writer Art Spander reflects on his hall of fame career
Art Spander, 87, has lost nearly all his vision and struggles to walk. But he keeps writing with a big assist from his wife.
Trump hits the road in his campaign to change perceptions of the economy
The president's speech in North Carolina included lengthy asides that had little to do with the core message the White House is trying to push about his economic agenda.
Padres pitcher Michael King: "unfinished business" in San Diego
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King says he has "unfinished business,", a big reason he signed a 3-year contract to return to Petco Park.
Full-length Replay: First Things First: OT
Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes and OT anchor Danny Parkins offer their opinions on the day’s biggest sports stories.
New poll shows 70 percent of Americans are concerned sports betting will impact game integrity
As sports betting continues to spread in America, concerns continue to grow regarding the potential, if not inevitable, impact of wagering on the integrity of the games.
NBA reportedly changing injury reporting rules while enacting several sports betting policies; league also looking to address tanking
The news comes months after the league was hit with an integrity-threatening gambling scandal.
Paychex CEO gives a read on the labor market for small businesses
In a Friday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, Paychex CEO John Gibson was fairly positive about the labor market for smaller businesses.
3 Trump interview takeaways: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Americans' sports gambling concerns.
R.F.K. Jr. Likely to Swap U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule for Denmark’s
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UVA selects Business School Dean Scott Beardsley as next president
The decision came against the wishes of a chorus of critics, including Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, state lawmakers, student leaders and faculty leaders.
Opinion | UCare’s collapse is a warning light for our health care system
"We must act decisively to protect consumers, stabilize our insurance markets and ensure that no Minnesotan loses access to the care they need because the system around them is collapsing," Matt Klein writes.
Bowen Yang is to leave 'Saturday Night Live' after eight seasons
'SNL' favorite Bowen Yang is expected to leave the NBC sketch comedy show after seven seasons as a cast member.
Opinion | Weighing Politics and Morality in the Israel Debate
Readers respond to an essay criticizing U.S. Democrats’ failure to resolve the conflict in Gaza. Also: Trump’s Kennedy Center rebrand; blaming immigrants after the Brown shooting.
A Somber Mood at Science Meeting as Trump Budget Cuts Continue
News of the breakup of a leading science institution rippled through an annual gathering of Earth, ocean and space scientists. Many say American science is suffering under the Trump administration.
Here's Your Entertainment Round Up for the Long Holiday Break
Wether you want a big blockbuster or you'd rather curl up at home with a classic, Fandango's Nikki Novak stops by TODAY with a list of the best movies to watch over the long holiday break.
Most fear sports betting damaging games’ integrity: Poll
A growing number of U.S. adults are losing trust in pro and college sports, thanks to the proliferation of online gambling and sports wagering options, according to a new survey. The NBC News Decis…
Five Science Fiction Movies to Stream Now
In this month’s picks, torrents, trolls and time travel.
Oracle stock jumps 5% as cloud provider joins investor group to run TikTok's U.S. business
The new joint venture will prevent TikTok from shutting down in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
EXCLUSIVE: James Van Der Beek Reacts to Concern Over His Appearance on 'Dawson's Creek' Reunion
The actor, who is being treated for colorectal cancer, said the weight he lost did not have to do with his cancer.
CNBC's Official College Sports Valuations 2025: Top 75 athletic programs
The programs are worth a combined $51.22 billion, 13% more than the top 75 in last year's rankings.
Trump says war with Venezuela is possible
President says ‘I don’t rule it out’ when asked about the possibility of conflict during NBC interview
Why Do A.I. Chatbots Use ‘I’?
A.I. chatbots have been designed to behave in a humanlike way. Some experts think that’s a terrible idea.
Trump not ruling out war with Venezuela
In an exclusive phone interview with NBC News, Trump talked about his offensive against Venezuela, his plan for health care and his outlook for the midterm elections.
Poll: Americans fear sports betting is threatening the integrity of games
In the NBC News Decision Desk Poll, 70% of respondents said betting is harming sports' integrity, and 63% worry about the potential for games to be rigged.
India’s Health-Tech Firm Practo Said to Seek Banks for 2026 IPO
Practo Technologies Pvt., which runs a digital health platform, is planning an initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter, joining a wave of companies rushing to capitalize on India’s buoyant market for first-time share sales.
NASA Webb Telescope Discovers Lemon-Shaped Planet, the ‘Stretchiest’ Ever Seen
An unusual object orbiting a rapidly spinning star might be a new phenomenon in the universe.
Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for president in 2028
The widow of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk threw the organization's support behind the vice president, who hasn't yet announced his 2028 plans.
Lamont details $168 million plan to cover federal cuts for food, health care, housing aid
Gov. Ned Lamont detailed his plans Thursday to use $168 million from an emergency fund lawmakers created last month. In a letter to legislative leaders, Lamont said he was tapping into the $500 million fund for access to food, housing, and health care. “We wanted to do – make sure that we had people’s backs and that our people weren’t…
Jaguars-Broncos Preview
DENVER (AP) Denver is the hub of the sports world right now with the NBA's Nuggets and NHL's Avalanche off to historic starts as they seek to add some hardware to their trophy cases and the Broncos are an NFL-best 12-2.
The 2025 Faces Quiz: Do You Recognize These Notable Politicians?
See how well you know the politicians of 2025 with The New York Times Faces Quiz.
The 2025 Faces Quiz: Do You Recognize These Notable Entertainment Stars?
See how well you know the television, movie, music and literary figures of 2025 with The New York Times Faces Quiz.
Olympic sports weekend preview: Lindsey Vonn back in action, Chloe Kim makes season debut
MAGA sticks with Trump on Venezuela – for now: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Virginia's district-level results from the 2025 provide new midterm clues.
Pediatrician says HHS grant cuts ‘clearly detrimental to the health of America's children’
Dr. Peter Hotez joins Meet the Press NOW to explain how grant cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services could impact millions of American children and their parents. NBC News Medical Reporter Erika Edwards reports on the Trump administration's moves to end transition-related care for minors nationwide.
NBAA PDP Course: SMS for Business Aviation
This one-day course, held in partnership with the Northern California Business Aviation Association and hosted by Atlantic Aviation, will provide a thorough review of safety management systems.
NBA MVP rankings: The race for the most valuable player award is heating up
We have officially hit the one-third mark of this campaign, so what better time to take stock of an MVP race that is as stacked with top-end talent as it has ever been.