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To: Logophile
For example, we still do not understand how to compute velocity fields in turbulent flows

More accurately, this is a problem that is computationally intractable for all practical purposes, which is quite a bit different than not knowing or even being theoretically impossible. There are an increasingly large number of real problems that are only "impossible" due to limitations on computational resources, not due to limitations of understanding.

82 posted on 12/06/2001 2:15:28 PM PST by tortoise
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To: tortoise
More accurately, this is a problem that is computationally intractable for all practical purposes, which is quite a bit different than not knowing or even being theoretically impossible. There are an increasingly large number of real problems that are only "impossible" due to limitations on computational resources, not due to limitations of understanding.

You may be right, but I was trying to make a different point. The writer of the original article was engaging in hyperbole to say that the the discovery of the Higgs particle could help "unravel the secrets of the universe." Scientists talk this way when they are trying to drum up support for more public funding, but invariably they promise more than they can deliver.

Suppose the Higgs particle were discovered tomorrow. What problems in engineering, biology, or chemistry would suddenly "unravel"? Or suppose the Higgs particle were shown not to exist. Other than the particle physicists, whose work would be affected?

87 posted on 12/06/2001 2:35:38 PM PST by Logophile
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