The essence of anything is defined by different authorities differently. The task of reducing multiple definitions to a single all-embracing definition of what constitutes the single most elementary, minimalist and universally applicable component of all “Fundamental” states involves a process of elimination. The search entails logical assessments of major scientific areas of interest that includes Time, Space, Energy and Matter; and the four fundamental forces: ‘the strong nuclear force’, ‘electromagnetism’, ‘the weak nuclear force’, ‘gravity’ – and on to mentality and beyond. The process of examination involves referral to the evolution of scientific ideas from the early Greek philosophers to those of contemporary scientists. As each of the branches of physics under consideration is examined they are found to be lacking that essential quality that is fundamental to all things, including ideas. So what? We return to consideration of the subject of the essay to examine the question ‘What?’ – to no avail. Then, without so much as an invitation, the answer to the FQXi question What is “Fundamental?” pops out of my mind.
Gary Valentine Hansen