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[Phys-L] Smolin on String theory



Hello,

there has been discussion on string theory in
this list. Have you noticed what Lee Smolin (2005) wrote
in Physics Today's "Opinion" section on string theory:

"Over the past 20 years, string theory has attracted the effort
of a large number of theorists and mathematicians. Nevertheless
it is clear that the program has not progressed as originally
envisioned. Many key conjectures remain unproven, including
the basic claim that the theory gives finite answers. The hope
for a unique theory and the promise of new falsifiable
predictions have dissolved with the discovery of vast numbers
(greater than 10^300) of theories. The well-studied versions
disagree with experiment, and little is known explicitly about
the many versions that are conjectured to agree with observation.
Despite much effort, no evidence has been found to confirm
the key hypotheses, including hidden dimensions, grand
unification, and supersymmetry. I suspect most practitioners
can agree that if string theory is to fulfil its promise,
it needs an infusion of new ideas and directions."

I cannot say if Smolin gives a fair account on the current state
of string theory but he has done research in the field so he
should know something about it.

Regards,

Antti

Antti Savinainen, Ph.D., B.Ed.
Senior Lecturer in Physics and Mathematics
Kuopio Lyseo High School
Finland

Reference:

Smolin, Lee (2005). Why no "new Einstein"?, Physics Today (June issue), pp. 56-57.
E-mail: <antti.savinainen@kuopio.fi>
Website: <http://kotisivu.mtv3.fi/physics/>


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