The Higgs Boson is a theoretical particle which particle physicists have been attempting to isolate in order to measure its physical properties, namely its mass. Called the “god particle” by popular media, the discovery of the Higgs boson would validate the Standard Model of electroweak symmetry as it is the only elementary particle not yet observed by experimental particle physicists. The Standard Model has defined the properties and characteristics of the Higgs boson with the exception its mass. The discovery of the Higgs particle would thus give validation to the existing theory of six elementary particles which make up the universe. The supposition of many is thus that the measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson would solidify this theory, thus providing a fundamental explanation to the construct of the universe.
The significance of the discovery of the Higgs boson should not be undervalued. The validation of the Standard Model would provide modern physics with a solid foundation from which to assess the universe and seek out new truths. In addition, man is inquisitive by nature and the discovery of an entity which is so crucial to our existence furthers mankind’s understanding of self. Nevertheless, while the possibility of a succinct and sound explanation of the physical universe via the Standard Model cannot be undervalued, it is essential that the Higgs boson not be over emphasized as the sole central component to any understanding of the fundamental physical principals of the universe. It must be noted that the theories proposed by Einstein and that provided by quantum mechanics cannot be entirely resolved with the discovery of Higgs, thus its designation as the “god particle” is largely erroneous in that the greatest contradiction in physics cannot be unified with Higgs as some might suggest. One reason for this is a sub-field of quantum theory, quantum chromodynamics, which explains the relationship between quarks and gluons of which hadrons consist, cannot be unified by the discovery of Higgs. Quantum chromodynamics plays a large role in the Standard Model of Particle Physics and since Higgs cannot resolve the issues in the theory, its discovery would leave another sector of the Standard Model, aside from the Higgs sector, unexplained.
While the discovery of Higgs would provide valuable insights into particle physics, it cannot alone serve to forge the missing links in the explanation of the nature or origins of the universe. Further, the most prevalent theory of particle physics cannot be fully proved with the discovery of Higgs. Thus, although this boson plays an important part in the Standard Model, the theory cannot stand alone of its discovery and significant work will be required even after its discover in order to validate the Standard Model and provide a credible theory to explain the origins of the universe and its construct.
