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I'm better at cosmology than math, but I like math more, but cosmology is more practical. Which should I get a PhD in?

That other question got me thinking. IDK how wise it would be to get a PhD in both. Clearly I love math more than anything else in the world, but cosmology is equally fascinating (I just don't take it to the level I take math). It's also more practical in terms of direct usage, whereas lots of math is studied "because it's there," when the types of math I enjoy only have a little bit practical usage outside of physics. I really think that, even though it will be *really* tough, I have to get a PhD in both math (specifically topology and/or chaos theory) and cosmology (and QM, if I can). At this point, the only thing holding me back from being as smart as I could be is my horrible memory and this ADHD, which I hope goes away when I'm an adult. Hopefully these should improve and I can get working on some crazy new technology/theory :P

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xtaldart

Cool ambitions. If you pursue theoretical physics or cosmology you any way end up tussling with maths. Well the deeper you go every thing just converges into another form of Maths. Math is a tool and you any way will have to develop your own version if you have to make a break through in cosmology or theoretical physics. well its your choice :)

TetrisGuy · 26-30, M

I like pure math, that's the thing. The type of math that has very little practical application outside of perhaps physics. I guess chaos theory, though, is one of the most practical branches of math--figure that out and you'll be as famous as Newton or Pythagoras. x'D

xtaldart

The problem with theories is it remains in limelight only till something better comes. Chaos theory is just a theory.... the mistake will be to consider it to be perfect and churn up mathematics to fit around it. We need more radical approach. Even maths should be considered on as tool, which we have to reshape on the way. So figuring out Chaos theory will only make you famous for while, unlike Newton or Pythagoras :) ... but admire you enthusiasm.

TetrisGuy · 26-30, M

It's sort of like the theory of gravity. We know it's there. But we aren't sure how it works. :V Chaos theory is what they even say is the next biggest thing. It's not my quote. I forgot who said it. But they say the person that figures out mathematical chaos will be the next biggest mathematician of all of history. When I say Newton, I meant his math work, not his science work :P

xtaldart

Isn't it obvious that we are never going to figure it out with the mathematical language we use today. That's the major flaw. It's like trying to shrink the Universe to fit our limitations than growing up to the nature's intricate dynamics. That's why I feel we never going to untangle the order knitted deep in universal fabric. Yup, I believe it's not going to be a huge task at figuring what we deem as Chaos theory, its only a matter of finding the right angle to cut into it. What's going to be challenging is trying to accommodate what we find there into our common scientific notions. I don't think scientific community would afford themself the freedom to embrace something that radical.