No, it is not accurate to claim that theoretical physics reached its limit more than 50 years ago or that all theoretical physics tracks were already imagined by the ancients. The field of theoretical physics is constantly evolving, and there have been significant advancements and breakthroughs in the past several decades.
While it is true that ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, made important contributions to our understanding of the physical world, modern theoretical physics has expanded our knowledge exponentially. The development of quantum mechanics, relativity, particle physics, and the Standard Model, among other theories, has revolutionized our understanding of fundamental particles, forces, and the structure of the universe.
In the 20th century, theoretical physics witnessed groundbreaking discoveries, including the formulation of quantum field theory, the unification of electromagnetic and weak forces in the electroweak theory, the development of the theory of strong interactions (quantum chromodynamics), and the formulation of the theory of general relativity. These advances were not anticipated by the ancients and represent significant progress in our understanding of the physical world.
Moreover, theoretical physics continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers. Researchers are actively working on areas such as string theory, supersymmetry, quantum gravity, dark matter, and cosmology. These areas represent ongoing efforts to understand phenomena that were not within the purview of ancient theories.
It is important to recognize that while some theoretical physics ideas and concepts have roots in ancient philosophical and scientific thinking, the modern understanding and formulation of these concepts involve sophisticated mathematical frameworks, experimental observations, and rigorous theoretical analysis. The knowledge and tools available to us today far surpass what was known or imagined in ancient times.
Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that all theoretical physics tracks were already imagined by the ancients or that theoretical physics reached its limit decades ago. The field continues to thrive and make significant progress, with ongoing research aiming to unravel the mysteries of the universe.