Many examples such as the fine structure constant exist which indicates a set of parameters that are held by natural processes in a fixed, long-term relationship. Further, many of the equations of science are in a form that one parameter is related to other parameter(s) such as the equivalence principle. Perhaps the underlying principle is that the universe is a series of "fine tuning" arrangements such as a thermostat controlling the temperature of a room a negative feedback arrangement.
But science seems to discount if not ignore the possibility of such arrangements or, perhaps, the arrangements have not been discovered.
Perhaps, the arrow-of-time (an observation) is the key to the undiscovered link. Is it worth the effort to discover these processes? Are the current equations just a piece of some larger series of feedback loops?
I actually don't understand how to imagine this "universal fine tuning". I mean, what is the feedback mechanism you're imaging?
Fascinating idea. Hmm. Could you recommend some simple readings for the proverbial intelligent (?) but technically challenged armchair generalist?
Thomas Neusius
Consider the room thermostat.
The cold outside (winter in the North) is the sink. The furnace the heat source. the thermostat controls the on/off of the furnace. The average temperature is set on the thermostat. The furnace when on slightly overheats the room. When off the room cools to slightly below the average when the thermostat turns the furnace on again. The thermostat is said to be "hunting" the average temperature.
I used this in
Article Scalar potential model of the CMB radiation temperature
There have been other examples by others indication such a mechanism such as why the outer galaxy parameters track the inner galaxy parameters.
Dear John Hodge ,
it's not about the thermostat. For a temperature like in CMB, I can imagine feedback loops in some way. My question was, how this analogy is related to physical constants. What mechanism would cause the natural constants to adapt (and to adapt at which other quantity)?
Thomas Neusius
You wanted an analogy. You got one. The CMB was an example of how assuming fine tuning can model something physical. The galaxy suggestion is an example of a probable application. As I said in the beginning, Physics today does not accept fine tuning. So, the data and models are phrased as one way streets. The control mechanism in each case is what needs to be found. The starting place is any equation that suggests a fixed or nearly fixed relation between measurable quantities -a bodies mass and a force is not one because the force is not a direct measurable. the relation between acceleration of one body and the mass size of another is such a relation. I've already mentioned the galaxy example.
First we have to accept there is a mechanism in the target relations. Next we have to find it which will involve considerable advance for physics.
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