Sunday, January 11, 2009

Question: What are the odds?

If I understand it, the fundamental basis of this theory is the mapping of the fundamental particles to the E8 structure. Dr. Lisi mentioned that he had an extra 'variable' where he could assign his own value to make the particles hit the E8 vertices.


Here's my question:

How much geometrical freedom did he have to make the particles fit onto E8? Doesn't the fact that all the input data (the "God-given" already-known values) fit the E8 indicate something big? Or was there enough slack that any random collection of data can be made to fit. In other words, what are the odds of this mapping working if it isn't fundamentally true?

My gut tells me that it cannot be a coincidence if the known data for 200-some particles, with 7 of 8 variables constrained, lands perfectly onto the E8.


A related question that might clarify the previous:

Did the mapping reveal any fine adjustments to the values of any of these 'fundamental constants' related to the 7 variables? In other words, did he have to tweak any measured values ever-so-slightly to make them hit their E8 geometrical mark? If so, doesn't that mean that all these values are now known to infinite geometrical precision? If so, isn't that huge news?


Comments welcome.

(gently update for clarity 2009-02-09)

1 comment:

Jason Stillman said...

I was wondering if anyone has responded to this query titled, "What are the odds"? If this has been addressed or discussed elsewhere I would be interested to know where I could find it, as I've been following this story with much interest. I see it has been a year since it was posed, and to my mind, seems like a very good question.