An Ultimate Symmetry in Physics?

Harry Lam (Lam@physics.mcgill.ca)
McGill University
Department of Physics
3600 University St.
Montreal, QuŽbec Canada H3A 2T8

Abstract

Over the years, more and more fundamental symmetries of physics have been discovered: from global symmetries of a geometrical nature, to local symmetries that can replace part of our dynamics. Extrapolating from this historical progression, perhaps it is not too ridiculous to expect the dynamical theory of physics will one day be completely replaced by an ultimate symmetry. I will elaborate on this speculation by using examples from existing theories, to argue that even deep symmetries may just be based qualitatively on very simple physical requirements. In this light, perhaps existing and future physical puzzles can lead us to an ultimate symmetry of physics?