In this book Mark McCutcheon points out what he thinks are inconsistencies in the standard theories of cosmology, gravity, orbits, magnetism, etc. He argues that scientists still do not fully understand our universe and its workings, especially energy and forces. He describes the four fundamental laws of nature proposed by the Standard Theory: gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force. He argues that Newton’s Gravitational Force is not compatible with the Law of Conservation of energy. Gravity holds planets in orbit for billions of years with no consumption of energy. Magnets cling to elevated surfaces against the pull of gravity also with no consumption of energy even though work was required to lift the magnet against the force of gravity in the first place. Newton’s gravity travels faster than the speed of light and instantaneously reaches to uttermost distances in the universe. McCutcheon made chapter one of “The Final Theory” available as a free download. I read it with interest. His criticism of the standard cosmological theories piqued my curiosity.

McCutcheon claims that Newton’s explanation of how gravity holds planets in orbit was preceded by The Geometric Orbit Calculation, which provides for calculating the distance of orbiting objects if their speed was known.” After accepting Newton’s description of gravity as a force, mass was arbitrarily introduced into the equation so that the mass of any orbiting object could be calculated. McCutcheon argues that the calculation is arbitrary and is not an accurate way to calculate mass. He thinks that this is one of the misconceptions generated from Newton’s law of gravity. He writes: “Though not recognized today, Newton’s gravitational force is a completely superfluous and redundant abstraction, both in theory and in practice.” I surfed The Internet and saw that “The Final Theory” has come under much criticism. Still interested, I got the book so I could read his arguments myself.

McCutcheon asks the reader to imagine the real world as being two-dimensional, and within that two-dimensional world, contemplate how a three-dimensional world might be visualized by people experiencing only two dimensions. We could not comprehend three-dimensional objects, but they would manifest themselves into our two-dimensional world. If all objects were conical, and we only see flat sections, then the flat sections we see would continuously grow bigger as the three-dimensional cones intersects into our two-dimensional world. It is equally difficult for us to imagine that objects we are familiar with in our three-dimensional world might somehow be our perceptions of objects from a four-dimensional world that project themselves into our three-dimensional view of reality.

McCutcheon’s proposes that the universe is four dimensional, the fourth dimension being outside normal experience, mysteriously beyond our normal three-dimensional comprehension. He argues that this fourth dimension is right here within our regular three-dimensional world. It exists even down to every atom. Atoms occupy the fourth dimension, which is completely foreign to us, with physics unlike anything in our atomic models today. It is the nature of this fourth dimension to continuously expand outward into our dimension, literally creating what we call atoms – but atoms that are continually expanding from this fourth dimension into our three-dimensional perception.

The space inside an atom is also different than the space outside an atom, almost like another unknown dimension. The rates of expansions in these two new dimensions are different, being much faster within the subatomic space within the atom. The internal expansion within the atom does not occur in space-as-we-know-it, and, therefore, does not consume space; instead, it merely supports the overall structure of the atom, which then defines space-as-we-know-it outside the atom. He claims that there is a big difference between the enormous subatomic expansion rate within the atom and the comparatively tiny expansion rate outside the atom. McCutcheon’s feels his new Expansion Theory, when used as a single overall theory can explain everything that previously required three theories (a mix of Newton’s gravity, relativity, and Quantum Mechanics) to explain.

My take on McCutcheon’s proposing a fourth dimension outside the atom and a fifth, much different, dimension within the atom is very hard to comprehend. I hope he has worked out his Expansion Theory mathematically and that the mathematics supports his position. What diminishes my acceptance of his arguments is that his new dimensions are not based on empirical observation – nobody has discovered them, measured them or described them. No experiment, I suppose, can prove that they exist. They seem to be purely intellectual theories that could possibly serve to give a single explanation to solve inconsistencies in the standard theories. Since the standard theories are backed up by mathematics, it would be interesting to see McCutcheon’s mathematical equations supporting his theory.

What I got out of McCutcheon’s arguments is “why does there have to be a Grand Unified Theory?” Maybe the human mind is incapable of fully understanding the inner workings of the universe. Some scientists like to argue that there is no God (McCutcheon doesn’t); but if God really exists and really created the universe, then, most likely, the human mind is incapable of fully understanding both God and how and why God created the universe. So I got something positive from McCutcheon’s book. ( )

Technically this is a popular science book, but it's also far more than that, so don't be put off if you're not an avid popsci reader. It talks about all the everyday things we *think* we know all about (gravity, electric charge, magnets, atoms, etc.) and shows that we don't understand them at all. We've largely just been handed down abstract claims from much simpler times, supported by logical fallacies of human thought. Anyway, all this and more is exposed in a clear, fascinating, accessible way.

But that's only half of the story. It also presents an amazingly simple new scientific concept that actually explains all of this, tying it all together -- something called Expansion Theory. Mustn't go on and on here, but check out my Squidoo Lens focusing on several of my most important and influential book recommendations, where I provide much more information and links to free chapters, articles, etc.:

squidoo.com/important-and-influential-books-and-ideas ( )

This book is very compelling. When I was reading it, I really wanted to believe it. After reading it, I knew I had to investigate the opinions of both physicists and non-physicists to gain a more objective view of The Final Theory. I hope I can now use my knowledge to give a fair review of the book.

The reason that this book is so great (and the reason I give it 5 stars) is that it is extremely thought provoking and ambitious. The ideas in this book are a great source of inspiration for intelligent and creative people. Mark McCutcheon has made a tremendous effort and deserves a place in history, even though he has been harsh in his dismissal of previous physicists.

In just 417 pages, McCutcheon makes a very ambitious attempt at taking an alternative theory and using it to describe the nature of the universe and all the particles within it. During this process, he attempts to solve some of the big unanswered questions that have arisen in previous physics. He also makes similar claims relating to flaws in previous physics, not all of which seem justified. The Final Theory is just the beginning of a possible theory of everything, and needs to be expanded on to fully explain some of the important observations that scientists have made in the past.

While the majority of people will really enjoy The Final Theory, some people will be unable to accept that all of the physics they learned in school could be wrong, or perhaps they will misinterpret the shortcomings of the book as proof of The Final Theory's inconceivability. It is a mistake to dismiss The Final Theory just because it does not yet match up to standard theory (which is backed by decades of supporting experiments and observations). However, it is also a mistake to immediately believe everything in The Final Theory. There is no question that it is a brilliant book, but it pays to be skeptical, just as McCutcheon has been skeptical of standard theory! ( )

What an absolutely mind-bending book. You can believe what you like, but this book will give you a totally different perspective on physics. By just changing my frame of reference and applying what McCutcheon said helped me to understand certain physical problems better. You do not have to agree with what he says, but it will make you think and see the world in a new light. This book is recommended for anybody with an open mind.

The Final Theory looks at the really tough questions of physics! What is gravity? What is a photon? The wave-particle duality, etc. But more important it really tries to explain these physical phenomenon and not just describe them like physics do! ( )

I purchased and read The Final Theory after finding the author's website and reading the first chapter that is provided there. This first chapter explains why the author began his search for a Theory of Everything as he locates and explains flaws and contradictions that are found all over Standard Theory. After I saw how clear-cut and unmistakable those errors were, I had to read this book just to see what other ideas were created by a mind capable of breaking past the limitations of Standard Theory.

Since I read The Final Theory, I haven't been able to stop contemplating the implications and abilities of the new theory. The author does an excellent job of explaining the concepts of the new theory and opening the door for your mind to escape from the limitations, contradictions, and complexities that has become Standard Theory. You will begin seeing the world and universe from a much more natural and extensive view.

This book opens the door to understanding all of the forces of nature, from magnetism and electricity to gravity and the forces that are referred to as strong and weak nuclear forces in Standard Theory. Everything is set together in one all-encompasing and easy to understand idea that has infinite applications.

You will spend about a week reading this book, and you will spend the rest of your life extending your understanding of the principle to cover every imanigable phenomena of nature. ( )