Is 11-Dimensional Chirality a Fatal Flaw in Superstring Theory?

  • Thread starter m_brain
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Chirality
In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of 11-dimensional spacetime and its validity in explaining the universe. While some argue that it is necessary for explaining certain physical phenomena, others believe that it raises more questions than it resolves. Ultimately, it is important to remember that scientific theories serve to organize observations, not necessarily to provide a definitive answer.
  • #1
m_brain
2
0
I just read a book by Davies and Brown entitled "Superstrings: A Theory of Everything?"

They dismiss 11D theory as having a fatal flaw: "A distinctive element of the weak interaction is that it breaks left-right mirror symmetry. This implies that elementary particles must be endowed with a definite handedness, or 'chirality'...It turns out that definite chirality only exists in spaces with an odd number of dimensions. This means that space must have an odd number of dimensions, and hence spacetime must have an even number of dimensions, otherwise there would be no chirality in the laws of nature. In short, eleven spacetime dimensions won't work."

Any thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There are better reasons for why 11 dimensional spacetime is rediculous.

Sure Einstein overthrew classical space and time single handedly, but he was guided by evidence and physical principles.

Remember that scientific theories are not "correct", they only serve to organize our observations (according to organizational principles.) Therefore, its not that the universe has 11 dimensions, its that the best way to explain the universe is using 11 dimensions. And to me, 11 dimensions is not a very good way to explain anything (begs more questions than it resolves).
 
  • #3
What are some of the better reasons?

Crosson said:
There are better reasons for why 11 dimensional spacetime is rediculous.

Sure Einstein overthrew classical space and time single handedly, but he was guided by evidence and physical principles.

Remember that scientific theories are not "correct", they only serve to organize our observations (according to organizational principles.) Therefore, its not that the universe has 11 dimensions, its that the best way to explain the universe is using 11 dimensions. And to me, 11 dimensions is not a very good way to explain anything (begs more questions than it resolves).
 
  • #4
There are better reasons for why 11 dimensional spacetime is rediculous.

[Moderator's note: The word should be spelled "ridiculous". But strictly
speaking, it is not impossible that someone learns how to judge ideas
about quantum gravity before he learns how to write. LM]

Sure Einstein overthrew classical space and time single handedly, but
he was guided by evidence and physical principles.

Remember that scientific theories are not "correct", they only serve to
organize our observations (according to organizational principles.)
Therefore, its not that the universe has 11 dimensions, its that the
best way to explain the universe is using 11 dimensions. And to me, 11
dimensions is not a very good way to explain anything (begs more
questions than it resolves).--
Crosson
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crosson's Profile: https://www.physicsforums.com/forums/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=21862
View this thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=66834
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is 11-Dimensional Chirality?

11-Dimensional Chirality is a concept in theoretical physics that refers to the existence of chirality, or handedness, in eleven-dimensional space. This idea is based on the theory of supergravity, which suggests that our universe may have more than the four dimensions (three spatial dimensions and one time dimension) that we currently observe.

2. How is 11-Dimensional Chirality different from regular chirality?

Regular chirality, also known as three-dimensional chirality, refers to the property of an object that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. In 11-dimensional chirality, this concept is extended to 11 dimensions, meaning that an object's chirality cannot be superimposed on its mirror image in an 11-dimensional space.

3. What implications does 11-Dimensional Chirality have in physics?

The concept of 11-dimensional chirality has important implications in theoretical physics, particularly in the fields of string theory and supergravity. It suggests that there may be more dimensions in our universe than we currently observe, and that these dimensions may affect the fundamental forces and particles in our universe.

4. Is there any evidence for 11-Dimensional Chirality?

Currently, there is no direct evidence for 11-dimensional chirality. However, many physicists believe that the existence of this concept is necessary for a complete understanding of the universe, and it is a key component in many theories that attempt to unify the four fundamental forces of nature.

5. How does 11-Dimensional Chirality relate to other theories, such as the multiverse theory?

While 11-dimensional chirality is not directly related to the multiverse theory, it is often incorporated into this idea. The multiverse theory suggests that there are multiple universes with different physical laws and constants, and some versions of this theory propose that these universes may exist in higher dimensions. 11-dimensional chirality may play a role in understanding the structure and interactions of these potential higher-dimensional universes.

Similar threads

A The double copy of (2,0) theory
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Trying To Conceptualize Two Dimensions Of Time
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
A Twistors and celestial holography
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
14
Views
3K
Is 11-Dimensional Spacetime a Valid Explanation of the Universe?
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
Can 11-Dimensional Theories Accommodate Chirality?
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
I M-theory and loop quantization of higher dimensional SUGRA
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
24
Views
4K
Chiral gauge theory and C-symmetry
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Testing string/m-theory extra dimensions prediction
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
10
Views
2K
Admissions Exploring the Universe: Pursuing a PhD in High Energy Physics
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
958
Defining Superstring's Additional Dimensions
    • Beyond the Standard Models
3
Replies
70
Views
9K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top