RE: Faster Than Light
You're absolutely right!
If c was shown not to be the absolute speed limit of the universe then all of special and general relativity would crumble immediately. Einstein didn't just create a theory - he revolutionized all of physics and therefore our understanding of the universe. General relativity has been rigorously tested and confirmed many times and is used in our daily lives. The most common example is the Global Positioning System (GPS); satelites in orbit have to account for time dilation caused by the Earth's gravity in order to be precise to a few meters (or less). This is something that wouldn't work if speed of light in vacuum wasn't limited to c.
Regarding Einstein's genius, his contributions to science reach even farther than special and general relativity. His work in statistical physics finally established the atomic and molecular theory of the microscopic world (see Brownian motion). He also helped develop the theory of heat and thermodynamics which leads me to one of his favorite quotes: "Classical thermodynamics ... is the only physical theory of universal content which I am convinced ... will never be overthrown. "
Such bold statement still holds its ground since thermodynamics was one of the few theories almost completely unchanged by the rise of modern physics.
didn't know that about his statement on Thermodynamics, great stuff!
Also didn't know GPS used time-dilation, also a great fact to know.
Still believe Einstein was right about "God doesn't play dice" when it comes to quantum interpretation, and we've lately seen very convincing arguments, evidence, and experiments from the Bohm sector of quantum mechanics which do a lot to add credibility to Einstein's statement. This is really the only thing Einstein said which is still challenged, and his last two important papers are STILL as relevant today as they day he published them. ER = EPR if memory serves (the pneumonic for both papers, and also the phrase of a new theory linking the two).
Ulundo, you writing anything on this topic? Would definitely read more of your stuff if you have Physics...
Yes, I plan to write about physics for sure... I thought writing about electrodynamics and relativity among other areas as soon as I can. I'm kinda struggling with exams at the moment :)
lucky you, get the A's, THEN write about Physics then. You must be a physics major or math then?
Where do you study?