From the dual perspectives of the history of physics and philosophy of science, this paper re-examines the essential connotation of "unification" in theoretical physics and strictly distinguishes two paradigms: derivational unification and mapping unification. By reviewing classic unification cases in the history of physics, including Newtonian mechanics, Maxwell's electromagnetism, and general relativity, this paper confirms that all truly successful physical unifications have never derived experimental data from pure logical deduction. Instead, they construct deeper axiomatic and geometric frameworks, allowing originally separate experimental laws and physical constants to be naturally embedded and form self-consistent correspondences. Based on this methodology, this paper proposes the core proposition that "unification is mapping" and examines the position and value of Time Field Theory (TFT) from this perspective. TFT does not attempt to forcibly derive quantized discrete laws from continuous spacetime axioms. Instead, it builds an underlying geometric foundation centered on the time field γ, biaxial phase space, and dynamic eigen-circles. The inherent experimental results and fundamental constants of quantum mechanics do not need to be logically derived; they only need to establish complete mappings of concepts, physical quantities, and mathematical forms within the TFT geometric system. This paper further defines that TFT has completed the framework foundation and key mapping demonstrations. Extended mapping relationships such as spin, identical particles, and scattering matrices, as well as supporting mathematical tools and data models, can be continuously developed and improved by subsequent researchers. From the levels of philosophical logic, history of physics, and methodology, this paper establishes a legitimate paradigm for the TFT geometric unification program and points out the only self-consistent and feasible development path for the grand unification of fundamental physics.
Huowang Huang (Thu,) studied this question.