Why 1 dimensional discrete space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of one-dimensional discrete space in theoretical physics, particularly in the context of string theory and Loop Quantum Gravity. Participants explore the implications and advantages of modeling fundamental entities as one-dimensional constructs versus higher-dimensional or extended entities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that string theory and Loop Quantum Gravity propose one-dimensional structures, questioning the practical benefits of such a model compared to higher-dimensional entities.
  • Others mention that string theory has evolved into brane theory, which incorporates higher-dimensional elements, suggesting a complexity beyond one-dimensional constructs.
  • One participant points out that string theory requires at least ten dimensions, arguing against the sufficiency of a one-dimensional model.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of fractal dimensions and questions the nature of quantum probabilities, suggesting a potential connection to lower-dimensional constructs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the dimensionality of fundamental entities, with some supporting the idea of one-dimensional constructs while others argue for the necessity of higher dimensions. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are references to historical attempts to model particles as point-like entities and the implications of dimensionality on convergence in theories, but these points remain open to interpretation and are not fully resolved within the discussion.

Eh
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It seems that the idea of space being made out of some 1 dimensional fundamental entity is popular these days. Not only does string theory propose the structure of space to be 1D loops, but Loop Quantum Gravity proposes a lattice built of similar 1D loops. What is the advantage of this? I know that if you were to shake a string, the vibration would travel down the string at the speed of light, so as to not violate SR and avoid the point particle. But it seems one could apply the same logic to a fundamental loop of 3 dimensions.

So what is the practical benefits of a 1D entity over something of extended dimensions?
 
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Well string theory begat brane theory, where the elements are of higher dimensions.

IIRC, physicists around 1960 tried to develop a field theory in which the electron was a little ball. It didn't work. Apparantly the element has to be "of measure zero" in the relevant space in order for the theory to even approximately converge.
 
One dimension??
From all I can find, String Theory requires at least 10 dimensions, and in some cases more. See one "explanation" at:

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/gr/public/qg_ss.html

It does remove any necessity for infinities, which I don't believe have any place in Cosmology anyway. Just personal opinion, but I can't buy String Theory either.
 
Last edited:
Maybe next a fractal dimension <1?

In 10 dimensional space, strings are the fundamental 1-D constructs of the string theory.

Also, aren't (quantum) probabilities often composed of singular (0-D) values?
 
Originally posted by Labguy
One dimension??
From all I can find, String Theory requires at least 10 dimensions, and in some cases more.

I'm talking about the strings, which are 1 dimensional entities.
 

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