Hey, how do you feel about string theory. I need this for a school project?

Question

Do you believe, are undecided, or don't believe in string theory. ?Any reasons why would be appreciated too. I need this for a research project. Thanks.

Answer 1

11 dimensional string theory, (and 26 dimensional M theory), has not produced anything.

It is possible that the extra 7 dimensions of space in string theory, (that are not perceived), are mathematical deception that first appeared with 5 dimensional Kaluza-Klein Theory.

String theory is possibly deception involving adding dimensions of space to the already existing 3 dimensions of space one dimension at a time at 90 degree angles to the previous dimension.

That string theory is possibly invalid is stated at the end of the wikipedia article on string theory.

Answer 2

Oh, here I go again...
For me, string theory is like ghosts, only with all sorts of impressive equations scratched out on chalkboards. It was good for getting some people PhDs, speaking engagements, appearances on television, and articles in scientific journals.

Only problem: strings have never been observed. Nor has there ever been any phenomenon which depended on the theory. M theory is the same thing. (SSDD), in my opinion. Same with multiple or parallel Universes and things like the Big Splat.

In fairness, I'm not a physicist or even someone who would be considered highly knowledgeable in the field. So, at best, I'm way out of my league; at worst, completely wrong. But I just have what has proven over the years to be a well-tuned BS detector. And I think scientists have come up with a lot of cryptic, nebulous, erudite bunk in order to promote themselves. Yeah, I've been getting dissolusioned, because every time I turn around, somebody is coming up with some esoteric, ethereal sounding stuff which eventually falls by the wayside.

Now I am going to speak outright heresy. I think this is the sign of the times. We may be nearing the end of theoretical physics. There is no reason to believe the Universe is infinitely complex or that we have barely scratched the surface. I think they have hit the wall.

Answer 3

String theory makes logical sense, and is able to explain a set of cosmological observations (dark matter etc.) The problem is that you can't simple come up a theory to explain a set of observations. A long-lasting theory should be able to explain MANY observations (current and future) with a single line of reasoning. The current cosmology theory might be too complicated for its own good (more free parameters than observation constraints)

Answer 4

sometimes you dont need to believe.

relativity is nice... it explains A, B, C, D, G, and H

it doesnt do well with E and F, so someone came up with a theory that covers those.

does this mean its 'real'? perhaps, but physicists use theories to explain and predict. String theory may point us to something we would not have seen otherwise. It is a useful model, sometimes, like a calculator that does division only.

Answer 5

Here is a link which summarises it all.