Posted on 12/22/2014 7:40:57 AM PST by BenLurkin
As a FYI, Brian Greene is a very prominent String Theorist.
No more twenty-six dimensional space? I’m heartbroken.
The null terminator is about to be lost on string theory.
Link not working for me.
Gotta run. Gotta read later. Brian Greene is always interesting.
From Amazon (emphasis added):
"In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics -- the search for the laws of nature -- losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the publics imagination -- and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Yet these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding and creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. As Smolin points out, the situation threatens to impede the very progress of science. With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics -- and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead."
I should point out that some of Smolin's conjectures on fundamental physics have their own problems.
If there are no tiny strings, how do they make those tiny violins?
“Testable” and “repeatable” are two tenants of the scientific method that modern grant-driven research discards at its convenience.
Yeah, that is one of Smolin’s points as well. Also, the fact that it is hard to get funding in theoretical physics if it doesn’t relate to string theory.
I have come up with CAT THEORY. I believe that everything is explained by tiny cats chasing those tiny strings. Well, it makes sense after three bourbons.
35-40 years ago is about right for this theory. Scientific progress is measured one funeral at a time.
Not to mention predictability.
To me it seems the article doesn’t say the theory is wrong but so far unproveable.
“Try this one:”
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Sheldon may have given up on the string theory. :)
A string sees a sign outside a bar that says “No Strings Allowed”. So he unravels his ends and ties himself in the middle. He walks in and the bartender says, “Are you a string?”. He replies, “No, I’m a frayed knot.”
For later
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