The autodidact is an individual who gains knowledge in a specific subject without the guidance of a teacher or formal education. Examples of such self-taught experts include Leonardo Da Vinci, who mastered 16 languages; Kató Lomb, a prolific Hungarian interpreter proficient in at least 17 languages; and Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. A potential new addition to this prestigious list could be the vast cosmos. Recent research, available on the pre-print server arXiV, suggests that the universe might be continuously learning how to evolve into a more stable state.
The study, conducted by researchers from Microsoft and scientists from Brown University, proposes that all observable laws of physics have gradually developed over time. To understand the evolution of these laws, the researchers recommend applying the concept of Darwinian natural selection to cosmology.
In essence, as the universe has aimed for stability over time, the basic laws of physics it initially relied on have evolved into more complex forms. For example, why do certain species, like cats and dogs, continue to exist in our world while others, such as trilobites or dinosaurs, have become extinct? Similarly, just as organisms adapt to their environment and pass on favorable traits to their offspring through natural selection, the universe has continuously refined its fundamental laws to ensure its continuity.
In an earlier iteration of the universe, the understanding of gravitational attraction between objects was not as advanced. In this scenario, Newton’s law of gravitation, which states that the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, may not have been applicable. Instead, gravity could have been a static force, resulting in a uniform gravitational pull across celestial bodies like the Earth and the moon. This concept can also be extended to other fundamental laws of physics.
According to researchers, over time, the universe has independently refined its system, leading to the emergence of fundamental laws. This concept is similar to self-learning systems in artificial intelligence, where algorithms evolve and adapt over time. In the field of cosmology, these self-refining processes manifest as the development of new laws of physics.
The paper explores the intersection of cosmology and biology, proposing the existence of a mechanism inherent in the fabric of the natural world through which the universe learns its laws. This suggests that there may be overarching laws of the universe that go beyond traditional scientific disciplines and govern the fundamental laws of physics.
Bruce Bassett, a professor at the University of Cape Town, highlights the significance of investigating interdisciplinary connections in the acquisition of knowledge. He points out that when humans categorize knowledge into distinct fields, it can impede the recognition of shared characteristics and universal principles.
However, comprehending the concept of a self-teaching universe poses a challenge due to our limited scientific frameworks. Neil deGrasse Tyson, a renowned cosmologist, aptly states, “The universe is not obligated to make sense to us.”
Unlike humans, the universe operates without the need for competition or conscious thought. Anthropocentric language, such as terms like “compete” and “mind,” may inaccurately attribute human characteristics to the cosmos. Despite our linguistic limitations, the universe functions independently of human perception.
The researchers acknowledge the speculative nature of their ideas, emphasizing that they represent early attempts to formulate a new theory. Nonetheless, they assert the importance of embracing radical ideas in theoretical physics as a means of navigating the complexities of the universe. This openness to exploring unconventional concepts may lead to unforeseen breakthroughs, challenging scientists to venture into unexplored intellectual territory.
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