Who is the Mysterious Man on Elegant Universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Ed Witten, a prominent theoretical physicist known for his contributions to string theory and the formulation of M-Theory. Participants recount their experiences attending Witten's talks in the mid-1990s, where he addressed the confusion surrounding five separate string theories and introduced the concept of varying speed of light (VSL) in cosmology. The conversation also touches on perceptions of Witten's voice, challenging the notion of gendered vocal characteristics. The insights shared highlight Witten's significant impact on the field and the ongoing debates surrounding string theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of string theory concepts
  • Familiarity with M-Theory and its implications
  • Knowledge of varying speed of light (VSL) theories
  • Awareness of key figures in theoretical physics, particularly Ed Witten
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Ed Witten's contributions to M-Theory
  • Explore the implications of varying speed of light in cosmology
  • Study the evolution of string theory from the 1990s to present
  • Investigate gender perceptions in voice and communication within scientific discourse
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the evolution of string theory and its key contributors, particularly Ed Witten.

PrudensOptimus
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Who is he?

I saw him on Elegant Universe show,... he talked like a girl, but seems like he have a lot of knowledge.
 
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Originally posted by PrudensOptimus
Who is he?

I saw him on Elegant Universe show,... he talked like a girl, but seems like he have a lot of knowledge.

He is the one person who combined the 'Five separate' String theories that were causing problems around the mid-nineties, and came up with the 'M' in M-Theory. I happen to be around during the re-arranged meeting for Post-Grads in the Talks given by Witten, Silk etc..etc in the United Kingdom 95/96.

A lot of post grads from around the world were starting to become confused with string-theory, I was there at his talks, I was a Porter at Clyne Halls SWANSEA uk, Most of the Grads were in the process of leaving the string-theory field, the after-talk drinking sessions were conducted in the 'snooker-hall', this is where the 'M' in the coined M-Theory became apparent. The M actually stands for MAYBE-MIGHTBE!

This was the first time that a Varying-speed-of light was contemplated by some of the worlds formost Post-Grads, I know cause 'I was There', and infact took part in the heated debates, and suggested that VSL was instrumental for the early Universe.
 
ok back to the question, why does he talk like a girl?
 
Originally posted by PrudensOptimus
ok back to the question, why does he talk like a girl?

This question can be countered and I ask you;Why are your ears calibrated to imagine that a voice is assigned to a specific gender, are you only interested in GIRLTALK?

This can only be answered by yourself, I suggest you do a survey of general chit-chat of a number of females, maybe a hundered will suffice, then insert a audio splice of Ed Witten talking, then play the whole survey to a number of test subjects, and see if they can pick out Ed Witten.

If the results come up as you state why quote:Ed Witten has a female pitch in his conversation, then the subjects should not be able to distinguish Edward from Edwina?

Or failing this easy task, why don't you go and dig out a new ego.
 

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