The article didn't help me understand the issue, but the witty comments this thread has attracted where well worth the read. Thanks :-)
Well, I know little of the theory itself. But I know ABOUT the theory.
Even the skeptics of string theory admit that in a sense it is correct, as a mathematical model.
But it seems there is a disconnect between the theory and physical reality. If we assume the theory is true, the universe goes on. If we assume it is untrue, the universe goes on. It is untestable by any of the current models.
Eddington described the situation and warned that we cannot fall into false knowledge. It is insufficient to describe the universe in terms like "the slithy toves did gyre and gimbel in the wabe"
I need to go back and reread "The Domain of Physical Science".
Where are the pragmatists when you need them?
I think Snoop Dog described it best...... "Shizzle is in da Phajizzile"