Deriving all of physics from a bare minimum of assumptions is a challenging task, but there are a few fundamental principles that form the foundation of our understanding of the physical world. While the specific set of assumptions may vary depending on the theoretical framework, here are some key principles that are commonly considered:
Principle of Locality: This principle states that physical interactions occur only at points or regions of space and time. It implies that distant objects do not directly influence each other without an intermediate interaction.
Principle of Causality: This principle asserts that causes precede their effects in time. It suggests that the evolution of physical systems can be determined by the initial conditions and the laws of nature.
Conservation Laws: These laws state that certain quantities, such as energy, momentum, and angular momentum, are conserved in isolated systems. They provide insights into the behavior of physical systems and impose constraints on the possible interactions and transformations.
Principle of Relativity: This principle encompasses the idea that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers in uniform motion. It led to the development of both special relativity and general relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity.
Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics is a fundamental framework for describing the behavior of particles on small scales. It introduces concepts such as wave-particle duality, probabilistic interpretations, and the uncertainty principle. Incorporating quantum mechanics into the assumptions would be crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the physical world.
It's important to note that these assumptions serve as a starting point, and additional principles and equations are required to build a complete theoretical framework. The specific mathematical formalism and equations used to derive physics would depend on the desired level of accuracy and the specific phenomena being considered.
While an infinitely fast computer could assist in calculating and simulating complex physical systems, it does not alter the fundamental principles required for a comprehensive understanding of physics. The assumptions mentioned above provide a general starting point, but the field of physics is a continuously evolving discipline, and our understanding may change as new discoveries are made and new theories are developed.