MAIN: What is the physical world?

The physical world was regarded real (it exists) in classical science to the extent that it
could be apprehended through the senses. This is based on the realism philosophical idea.
However, the physical world definition must include the fact that humans cannot see atoms,
neutrons, protons, electrons, the Milky Way, or the entire cosmos with our naked eyes. As a
result, modern science redefines this with the concept of model-dependent realism.

How did classical science define the physical world?

The physical universe was characterized by classical science as "real" and visible to the
human eye. This is founded on the realism notion, which regards anything that can be sensed
via the senses as a part of the physical reality. According to this idea, there is a real external
reality with properties that are distinct from the observer who experiences them.

What is the limitation of this definition of the physical world?

Classical science's view of the physical world excludes those entities that are invisible
and cannot be perceived with the senses, confining its research to only the macroscopic domain
and neglecting the microscopic and cosmic realms.

How did modern science expound on the definition of the physical world?

Modern science broadened the definition of the physical world by integrating "model-
dependent realism," which entails the use of models or representations to define the physical
properties and interactions of all objects, including those that are invisible to the naked eye—
from atoms and molecules to celestial bodies. Model-dependent realism offers the basis for
modern science, allowing us to better comprehend the physical universe as a whole.

What are the elements of a good model?

A good model has the following characteristics: (1) it is elegant, (2) it contains few
arbitrary or adjustable elements, (3) it agrees with and explains all existing observations, and
(4) it makes detailed predictions about future observations that can disprove or falsify the
model if they are not realized. All of these characteristics are what scientists look for when
evaluating the trustworthiness of existing models and developing new ones.

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