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Anforderungen an eine physikalische Fundamentaltheorie

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Abstract

Requirements for a Fundamental Physical Theory. The search for a so-called ‘Theory of Everything’ which should lead to the unification of all fundamental forces is seen, at present, as a matter of priority within theoretical high-energy physics. Some physicist identify this Theory of Everything today with aspecific type of superstring theory or its intended conceptual continuation, called M-Theory. The objective of this article is the discussion of the requirements a fundamental physical theory has to comply with. This question can only be clarified if one takes into account that the claim that a physical theory is all-encompassing takes forgranted some tacit prerequisites which concern the conceptual and epistemological foundations of science and, not least, the question for the realizability of its reductionistic unity.

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Hedrich, R. Anforderungen an eine physikalische Fundamentaltheorie. Journal for General Philosophy of Science 33, 23–60 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020723825663

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