What is Physics

Abstract

Physics has evolved from an attempt by ancient researchers to understand the workings of their immediate surroundings to a body of mathematical descriptions and paradoxical physical interpretations. We have today no rational explanation for the simplest of systems and phenomena, for instance, how a magnet physically attracts another from a distance or by what physical means the Earth prevents the Moon from leaving the Solar System. Not one mathematical physicist can explain in a logical manner why a pen falls to the floor rather than to the ceiling. The equations suggest that ‘mass attracts mass’ or that ‘north attracts south’, but these are mere descriptions. They give us no insight as to the physical mechanisms underlying such phenomena. We trace these shortcomings to the nature of the scientific method inherited primarily from 17th Century researchers. We argue, in essence, that the current version of the scientific method is divorced from authentic Science. Here we propose an alternative – henceforth known as the Rational Scientific Method (capitalized to distinguish it from what is currently regarded as such) – and outline the steps necessary to present rational explanations for physical phenomena.