The notion that physics is becoming less scientific and more theoretical is subjective and open to interpretation. However, I can provide some insights into why there may be a perception of physics becoming more theoretical in recent times:
Advancement in theoretical frameworks: Over the years, physics has developed a rich and sophisticated set of theoretical frameworks, such as quantum mechanics and general relativity, which have been remarkably successful in describing and predicting various phenomena. With these established frameworks in place, physicists have increasingly focused on refining and extending these theories rather than making groundbreaking experimental discoveries.
Exploration of fundamental questions: Physics has always been driven by a desire to understand the fundamental workings of the universe. Exploring questions about the nature of space, time, matter, and energy often requires more theoretical and conceptual investigations. Theoretical approaches provide a means to explore and propose hypotheses about the underlying principles and structures of the universe.
Technological limitations: Experimental investigations in physics can often be limited by technological constraints. Some phenomena may be challenging to observe or measure directly due to the scale, energy requirements, or technological limitations of current experimental techniques. In such cases, theoretical approaches become essential tools to study and understand these phenomena indirectly.
Multidisciplinary nature: Modern physics has become increasingly interconnected with other scientific disciplines, such as mathematics and computer science. This multidisciplinary nature has allowed for the development of theoretical frameworks that rely on mathematical formalism and computational simulations to model and analyze complex systems.
Exploration of uncharted territories: As our understanding of the physical world has deepened, physicists have ventured into new frontiers, such as string theory, quantum field theory, and cosmology, where experimental verification becomes more challenging. These areas require theoretical frameworks to explore and make predictions about phenomena that are difficult to test directly.
It's important to note that theoretical physics is an integral part of the scientific process. Theoretical frameworks provide conceptual foundations, guide experimental design, and allow for the development of testable predictions. The interplay between theory and experiment remains crucial for advancing our understanding of the natural world.