Essay Abstract
What is "Fundamental"? In physics, as in any other context where this word is used, the answer is "it depends..." The word "fundamental" has several definitions with different meanings; therefore, using it in general and in physics in particular often hinders rather than helps clarify the subject of study since this vagueness may mislead, confuse and obfuscate the study and ultimate understanding of the subject in several ways: applying an unsuitable meaning of the word to the subject will needlessly complicate its already complex study; using different meanings of "fundamental" inadvertently at the same time in reasoning about the subject will result in logical mistakes that will lead just as inadvertently to mistaking the wrong conclusions as the correct ones; finally, none of the meanings of the word "fundamental" may apply to the subject of study leading to the common mistake of forcing together ideas that are (ironically!) fundamentally different and instead wasting endless effort and time unifying them "because they should be the same since they are fundamental!" even when these ideas are mutually and glaringly incompatible. Thus, using the word "fundamental" in these manners can and will prevent the understanding of the complex ideas of modern theoretical physics and ultimately a clear and precise understanding of our Universe and reality.
Author Bio
Yes, I am that "Luis Felipe Patino-Cuadrado from the previous contest. I have a BS in pure mathematics from the University of California in San Diego. I have dedicated my life to learning all I can about our fascinating physical reality with the ultimate goal of understanding it. I have done this mostly on my own time and unpaid much to the detriment of my material well-being. If you like my essay, please vote for it and consider sponsoring me.