>I still don't understand why these people insist that there must be a "unified theory" (given my understanding that the "unified theory" has as its objective consolidating all of the forces under a single theory).
>
>I think its a neat idea, as God is a neat idea, but I wonder why there is insistence that all of the forces tie together? All talk seems to be that it IS SO and simply will be found some day. There seems no room for it not being so.
>
>cheers

The key point here is, scientist want to find out how the Universe works.

Both the Theory of Relativity and the Quantum Theory have been found to be remarkably accurate, but when the two are combined, under certain extreme conditions they produce ridiculous results. So, as Leland says, one of them - or both - must be wrong. Actually, they are not usually labelled "wrong" - it is just that they have a limited scope.

It is hoped that a theory be found that explains our World better than either of these two. The two would still be valid under certain limiting restrictions (just like the Newtonian mechanics is still valid for relatively slow speeds).

Apparently, the problem with the current theories is that they can NOT adequately explain how the World works under extreme conditions. It is hoped that a theory is found that can.