Foundations of physics Special Issue: Forty Years of String Theory

In summary, the "Foundations of Physics" special issue celebrates forty years of string theory, a widely debated and studied concept in physics. The issue features articles by various experts, including Carlo Rovelli, Lee Smolin, Gerard 't Hooft, Dean Rickles, Richard Dawid, Vijay Balasubramanian, Steven B. Giddings, Steven S. Gubser, Emil J. Martinec, Leonard Susskind, and M.J. Duff, discussing different aspects and perspectives of this theory. The articles are currently available for free download until the end of March, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of string theory.
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"Foundations of physics" Special Issue: Forty Years of String Theory

http://www.springer.com/physics/history+&+philosophical+foundations+of+physics/journal/10701

If this has already been mentioned feel free to delete this post.

Articles free through march,

A Critical Look at Strings (Carlo Rovelli) (pdf, 414 kB)
A Perspective on the Landscape Problem (Lee Smolin) (pdf, 684 kB)
On the Foundations of Superstring Theory (Gerard 't Hooft) (pdf, 285 kB)
Mirror Symmetry and Other Miracles in Superstring Theory (Dean Rickles) (pdf, 775 kB)
Theory Assessment and Final Theory Claim in String Theory (Richard Dawid) (pdf, 537 kB)
What We Don’t Know About Time (Vijay Balasubramanian) (pdf, 540 kB)
Is String Theory a Theory of Quantum Gravity? (Steven B. Giddings) (pdf, 802 kB)
The Gauge-String Duality and Heavy Ion Collisions (Steven S. Gubser) (pdf, 522 kB)
Evolving Notions of Geometry in String Theory (Emil J. Martinec) (pdf, 585 kB)
String Theory (Leonard Susskind) (pdf, 275 kB)
String and M-Theory: Answering the Critics (M.J. Duff) (pdf, 526 kB)
 
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I just downloaded all of them. Do this and get a permanent set.
 

1. What is String Theory and why is it important?

String Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to unify all known forces and particles in the universe. It proposes that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not point-like particles, but rather tiny, vibrating strings. It is important because it has the potential to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, two theories that currently cannot be reconciled and have been the source of much debate in the scientific community.

2. How long has String Theory been around and who developed it?

String Theory has been around for over 40 years, with its origins dating back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was first developed by physicists Gabriele Veneziano, Leonard Susskind, and Yoichiro Nambu, and further developed by physicists such as David Gross, Edward Witten, and Michael Green.

3. What are the main challenges and criticisms of String Theory?

One of the main challenges of String Theory is its lack of experimental evidence. Since it deals with energies that are currently beyond our technological capabilities, it is difficult to test and validate its predictions. Additionally, some critics argue that String Theory is too mathematically complex and relies heavily on unproven assumptions, making it more of a mathematical exercise rather than a physical theory.

4. Has String Theory been proven or disproven?

String Theory has not been proven or disproven, as there is currently no way to test its predictions. However, there have been some promising developments in recent years, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson, which lends some support to certain aspects of String Theory. Additionally, there are ongoing experiments and research efforts aimed at finding evidence for String Theory.

5. How has String Theory impacted the field of physics?

String Theory has had a significant impact on the field of physics, particularly in the areas of quantum gravity and cosmology. It has also sparked new areas of research and theories, such as M-theory, which attempts to unify multiple versions of String Theory. It has also led to advancements in mathematics and encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration among physicists and mathematicians.

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