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Worldbuilding

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    $\begingroup$ I disagree. JRE's example of a cavity magnetron is a perfect counter example. Its not impossible to replicate, but without the knowledge and understanding of the physics behind it, you can't comprehend how it works. As long as the object's function depends on complex physical phenomenon that can't be observed (by the civilization in question), it will fit OPs criteron. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 27, 2020 at 13:25
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    $\begingroup$ What if the machine does something that travels back through time and space? How would you measure it or find out? What if it does something in dimension X that we know nothing about, so can't see any measurable outcome besides the FTL? What if it is right under our noses, but simply beyond comprehension, like it changing the rules of the universe right before us. There is no way in telling what would happen and how we can start interpreting it. It might take millions of years to understand, if at all. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 27, 2020 at 14:51
  • $\begingroup$ @Trioxidane Good grief. It does something useful, doesn't it? A very measurable something. After that it's only a matter of time. And that's really the point. The aliens figured it out. Given time humans could (and would), too. Really, the OP's biggest problem is scoping how much time the humans must remain ignorant. The longer he needs, the less believable human ignorance would be. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 28, 2020 at 5:00
  • $\begingroup$ And I feel it's like a 3 dimensional being telling a 2 dimensional one about powered flight. But the longer you need. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 28, 2020 at 9:31
  • $\begingroup$ @Trioxidane A 2D being would not be capable of replicating an engine capable of 3D flight. The point of my answer is that the conditions the OP set make it impossible to avoid comprehension - in the long term, if not the short term. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 29, 2020 at 19:01