METAPHYSICS VERSUS PHYSICS

To be honest, the pursuit of a unified theory more closely resembles an exercise in metaphysics than physics. Physics may be defined as the type of science that starts with empirical data and then attempts to derive the local laws of nature that govern that data.

Metaphysics, on the other hand, may be defined as the type of science that starts with deductive assumptions regarding the hidden reality of the universe and then attempts to explain the empirical data on that basis. The term metaphysics means “that which goes beyond physics.” Metaphysical theories tend to go beyond physical theories in the sense that they deal with hidden realities that transcend all means of empirical observation. Whether modern theorists are willing to admit it or not, the search for a unified theory represents literally an attempt to develop a metaphysical theory of the physical world.

In actuality, the quest for a unified theory is not motivated by any new empirical evidence. Instead, it is motivated by pure aesthetics—by the innate desire of the human mind to seek wholeness and unity in its understanding of nature. This desire is not new; it is as old as the hills. The ancients also sought to develop a holistic understanding of the universe by positing the existence of an empirically hidden field that acts as the source of everything. Like modern theorists, they also adopted a metaphysical approach to reach this understanding. This reminds us of Ecclesiastes 1:10: “Is there anything of which one can say, ‘Look, this is new’? No, it has already existed, long ago before our time.”

There are, however, profound differences between the ancient metaphysical theories and modern unified theories. These two types are rooted in mutually opposed paradigms or general ways of thinking about the world and everything in it.