The goal of much contemporary research in physics is to discover a 'grand unifying theory' of the structure of the universe, which unites theories about the behaviour of particles at very small scales (quantum physics) with the behaviour of objects at large levels (classical physics).
But why is such a 'GUT' sought? Why is it believed it is 'there' to be discovered?
I once heard Ravi Ravindra talk about the comparison between western and some asiatic approaches to science. Western culture is largely monotheistic: one God, whereas some asiatic religions are polytheistic: many Gods. He noted that western scientists tended to seek singular solutions to problems: the singularity and big bang, the grand unified theory of the universe, a unifying theory of consciousness. Scientists brought up in the Hindu tradition, however, were more likely to accept multiple solutions to problems.
Why can there not be many overlapping and co-existent theories of reality that apply in different contexts or to different aspects of phenomena?
