Is there a viable alternative to 'String Theory' out there yet?

Question

Everything in physics that I'm reading lately seems to punch holes in the string theory. Is anyone working on a more plausible theory yet? Or is eveyone just intent on bashing the string theory?

Answer 1

no there isn't yet. maybe someday though

Answer 2

There are all kinds of alternative theories. M-brane theory is a derivative of super string theory; so we might not really call that an alternative theory. But there are plenty more in competition with string theory. [See source.]

The major issues with string/M theory are that they have not been tested and that they started with the math in search of physics rather than with physics in search of the math. The alternative Connes and Quantum Loop Gravity theories described by the source start with the physics to come up with the math.

The QLG theory is interesting because it assumes that space itself is not continuous, but made up of chunks of space the diameter of 1 Plank ~ 10^-35 meters. This is interesting because string theory conjures up infinitely thin strings that are also 1 Plank length.

The Connes approach also assumes a discontinuous space. But in this case, it assumes that space is not commutative; so that heading for a point in space by different pathways will end up at different points, but the different points can be renormalized (made concurrent) via math. The Connes approach math predicts the Hibbs Field, which among other things, determines if mass-energy behaves like inertial mass or no inertia energy according to if a quantum is going into or with the direction of the Field.

So the answer is...not everyone is "intent on bashing the string theory" without coming up with alternatives.

Answer 3

String theory is designed to bridge classical and quantum physics and to provide a framework for grand unification of the 4 forces. However string theory has some problems dealing with gravity and 4-dimensional time/space. There is another alternate theory called the Electric Universe, whereby everything is described as a electro-magnetic pattern and the universe and everything in it is a holographic projection, or information contained in a quantum frame.

Answer 4

String theory is a tool and an incomplete way of explaining the universe. It simply has a model for how things vibrate and since everything is a vibration(oer de brogglia) it can be used to explain some things but what vibrates? nothing of course vibrations are an end to themselves in how many ways do they vibrate (modes) many does it implies multilpe dimensions? yes and further the super kamikande experiments showing tha neutrinos have mass after all mean that ther nmust be extra dimensions. everything is a model and we not confuse the model for reality

Answer 5

There are no alternatives to string theory, but there are a ga-zillion variations of it. I suspect that what you describe as string theory bashing is mainly just one scientific group that favors their version of string theory over others.

Answer 6

Your intellect can't come from thread your emotions can't come from yarn, mathematics = death, the scientist finally realized you can't get something from nothing.