Reverse Physics: From Laws to Physical Assumptions

Abstract

We introduce an approach to the foundations of physics that is more in line with the foundations of mathematics. The idea is to examine current theories and find a set of starting physical assumptions that are sufficient to rederive them, which is the physical equivalent of the reverse mathematics program. This allows us to identify physical starting points (as opposed to mathematical ones), compare their deductive power, and find those that can better serve as a foundation for our theories.