
5
2
Physics and Its
Methodology
2.1 WHAT IS PHYSICS?
A discipline can be de ned by two criteria: the subject matter of study and the meth-
odology by which the study is carried out. So, rst let us talk about the subject mat-
ter; i.e., what is the de nition of physics? Most de nitions are basically a laundry list,
like the one listed in the introduction of this book. Let us consider one that conveys
the spirit of physics, although I imagine some might disagree with it. Anyway, here
is my de nition:
Physics is the search for the basic laws that govern the universe around us.
(By the way, we will be talking about assumptions several times in t ...