Do you think that it is probable that the 'laws of physics' apply to the ENTIRE universe?

Question

'laws of physics' is in quotes because they are subject to change at any time ( or at least subject to additions ) we have seen this a lot in the last 20 years

a degree in physics is only worth the paper it is printed on ( including mine ) if you are not open to new thinking and recognize that math doesn't translate well into English ( we can't all be Carl Sagon types - he got a lot wrong but he also translated science well ) AND WHAT ARE "TRUE LAWS" ? )

AND last of all MOST of our science is based on OBSERVATION of a VERY small part of the cosmos ( i think it IS probable that the laws are universal BUT i am perceptive enough to know that this is just BASED ON CURRENT KNOWLEDGE not some God like ability to know all )

Answer 1

It is not "probable" that the laws of physics (why did you put that in quotes?) apply to the entire universe. It is FACT that all true laws of physics MUST apply universally. If they did NOT apply universally, then there is a flaw in the theory and the law must be revised. That's the way physical law works.

Now, as to being outside of our universe, no one can know for sure. In another universe the laws might be entirely different. time could run backwards, or objects could fall away from each other. Who knows?

EDIT: Okay, I can understand your point about laws changing. IF we could assume that the current laws we have expressed now ARE accurate then we could state that those laws apply to the entire universe. HOWEVER, what we understand to be the expressed laws of physics are not necessarily accurate. While at the base cause the laws of physics will apply universally (ie, objects with mass will attract towards each other anywhere in the universe) the expression of that law (the mathematical equation) may change over time to accomodate new understanding in the scientific realm. One must distinguish, then, between physical law (which is constant and universal) and human understanding and expression of that law (which is changing and local)

Answer 2

I also probably agree with you, yet I feel time is important here. Sure the laws may apply now which is what I believe you're asking, yet I feel it's important to mention that many laws break down when talking about the Big Bang. The mathematics does not deal very well with infinites. Even the theory of relativity predicts that the theory itself will break down. I can't be any more detailed as my knowledge is not great on the subject, but ..yeah.

Answer 3

I think one place where you are mistaken is that we can only observe a very small part of the cosmos. Using modern day technology we can infact observe a vast portion of the universe. We can see almost to the edge of the known universe , up to 13 billion light years away.

Answer 4

Of COURSE the laws of physics apply to the the entire universe. It is simply that we may not yet know what all those laws ARE.....

Answer 5

I don't think that they apply as of yet. The law is a law cause it is a proven fact. So if we can't prove it anywhere else there is no way to apply it.