This theoretical exploration proposes a framework for a fundamental physics theory without free parameters, providing implications for understanding our universe.
The Problem of Free Parameters in Fundamental Physics Modern theoretical physics, despite its empirical successes, contains dozens of free parameters that are not derivedfrom first principles but inserted to match experiment. The Standard Model alone has 19 such parameters, whilestring theory has hundreds or thousands depending on compactification. This situation suggests that these theories,however accurate, are not fundamental—they are effective descriptions that conceal deeper mathematical structures.A truly fundamental theory must satisfy five criteria:1. Zero free parameters: All physical constants must be derived from mathematical necessity, not empiricaladjustment2. Self-validating: The theory must contain internal consistency checks that verify its own correctness3. Self-contained: All definitions, axioms, and proofs must be given within the theory4. Experimentally testable: The theory must make specific, falsifiable predictions5. Computationally verifiable: All derivations must be reproducible at arbitrary precision
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Venegas et al. (2026) studied this question.
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