will the superstring theory be successful?

Answer 1

The super string theory is just scratching the surface of the real Universe / Multiverse / Transdimensional / Megaverse. There are over 370,000 dimensions that make up our particular reality that takes the shape of a manifold floating on the surface of a trillion billion dimensions.

By the way, time is not a dimension, that is where it all gets balled up.

Answer 2

To epidavros: Yes, superstring theory calls for extra dimensions which seems weird and is hard for someone who is rather ignorant to the theory to grasp. But think of this, there are three spatial dimensions, and one of time which are known and proven, yes? Then, particles have other properties: color, spin, mass, velocity, position, and electric charge. That is 10 dimensions and the 11th dimension I am not sure about but I know in several theories it unites two 10 dimensional branes.
And no, it hasn't yet been observed and it may not be for a while. But, I think very soon it will be. With the rise of the LHC in the coming year, I believe superparticles will be discovered; it is very feasible. Also, a linear electron-positron collider is in the works I have heard which is capable of higher energry levels than the LHC and is better than a proton collider in that not as many uninteresting particles are created in the annihilation/collision.
As for this so called complexity where none is needed, it is really not as complex as you think. There is much to learn for one who is studying it, as with any theory, and much to be yet explained and discovered but the concepts when viewed together and in general make the theory very simple. But, then again isn't that the way with any theory? No theory can start out completed. And because the aim of string theory is so high, it takes a long time to progress. But the progress that has been made is amazing.
Superstring theory also can explain gravity much better than we can with any modern theories.

To the author, I hope it will be in one way or another. If M-theory is not successful completely, then it will definitely lead to discoveries of new theories. Superstring/M-theory is far too beautiful and simple to die. It truly is a beautiful theory. The mathematics themselves are simply amazing just to look at. I think that it just seems to perfect to be a mistake.

Answer 3

Only if it can be tested and the tests indicate the theory's validity. Until that happens SST remains more a philosophy than a theory. The Large Hadron Collider is under development; one of its early experiments is destined to test some of SST results. If these tests prove positive, SST will enter into the realm of theory rather than philosophy. [See source 1.]

A reason SST evolved was to unify the four fundamental forces: weak, strong, electro magnetic, and gravity. Mathematically, SST has done that, but without proof of the theory, SST remains simply elegant math. [See source 2.]

By way of contrast, relativity is a real theory in that several tests have proved many of its results: space bending, increased mass near the speed of light, etc.

Answer 4

i very much doubt it

it appears to add layers of complexity where none is due, presupposes the preminence of the axioms of quantum theory over those of relativity, introduces new dimensions that then have to be explained away because they are clearly not observed and has yet to make a single even minor observable prediction

but it may point the way to a simpler, more elegant theory

Answer 5

If the super string theory itself will not be able to unite all phenomena in a "theory of everything", it will most likely lead to other theories that will.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

probably. try to examine why it wouldn't be successful.