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Is String Theory Really a Scientific Theory?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the theory-of-nothing dept.

vk38 writes, "The New Yorker is running a story on whether String Theory is really a scientific theory or just an abstract exercise in math designed to churn out papers and Ph.Ds for the established academics. The article reviews two current books, by Lee Smolin and Peter Woit, laying out the case against string theory." From the article: "Dozens of string-theory conferences have been held, hundreds of new Ph.D.s have been minted, and thousands of papers have been written. Yet... not a single new testable prediction has been made, not a single theoretical puzzle has been solved. In fact, there is no theory so far — just a set of hunches and calculations suggesting that a theory might exist. And, even if it does, this theory will come in such a bewildering number of versions that it will be of no practical use: a Theory of Nothing... String theory has always had a few vocal skeptics... Sheldon Glashow, who won a Nobel Prize for making one of the last great advances in physics before the beginning of the string-theory era, has likened string theory to a 'new version of medieval theology,' and campaigned to keep string theorists out of his own department at Harvard. (He failed.)"

6 of 397 comments (clear)

  1. let's upgrade it then by MooseTick · · Score: 4, Funny

    String theory sounds weak. Let's upgrade the name so it sounds like it has to be true. Henceforth it will be referred to as String Fact.

    I'll even throw a bone to an entrepreneural slashdotter out there. STRINGFACT.COM is not registered yet. It is yours for the taking.

    --
    Ninjas don't carry tic tacs
  2. Well.... by finkployd · · Score: 4, Funny

    So which is it: the best of times or the worst of times?

    According to Schrodinger, both.

    Finkployd

    1. Re:Well.... by Pitr · · Score: 5, Funny

      It depends. If the times are not being observed, it's both, so it's Schrodinger. If they're being observed but you're just not sure, it's Heisenberg.

      Ergo, ignorance is bliss... and not. ;)

      --

      --Not to be worried, Pitr fix.
    2. Re:Well.... by rthille · · Score: 4, Funny

      Yeah, but according to his cat, it's just the worst of times. After all, regardless of whether he's alive or not, he's still stuck in the damn box!

      --
      Awesome furniture, accessories and cabinetry in Santa Rosa, CA: http://humanity-home.com/
  3. Is String Theory Really a Scientific Theory? by GillBates0 · · Score: 4, Funny
    Q: Is String Theory Really a Scientific Theory?

    Short Answer: No.
    Long Answer: Yes.
    Longer Answer: Both of the above, but each in a separate Universe.

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
  4. Re:Layperson's perpective by truthsearch · · Score: 4, Funny

    I am a geek, but I have seriously problems with math ability. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree.

    Sorry to break it to you, but you're a hippie, not a geek. ;)

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    Developers: We can use your help.