The Emperor's Last Clothes?

TL;DR

This paper discusses a paradigm shift in particle physics questioning whether the laws can be derived from a fundamental theory, highlighting the slow change in scientific consensus and the influence of outdated assumptions.

Contribution

It critically examines the evolving perspectives in particle physics and challenges the assumption that fundamental theories can fully explain the laws of nature.

Findings

Shift in scientific opinion about deriving laws from fundamental theories

Recognition of the influence of outdated fallacies on current beliefs

Discussion of the impact of the Standard Model and string theory on this paradigm shift

Abstract

We are in the middle of a remarkable paradigm shift in particle physics, a shift of opinion that occurred so slowly that some even try to deny that they changed their minds at all. It concerns a very basic question: can we expect to derive the laws of particle physics from a fundamental theory? The Standard Model of particle physics as well as the 1984 string theory revolution provided ample food for thought about this. The reason this was ignored for so long can be traced back to an old fallacy: a misguided idea about our own importance.