Is a career in string theory worth pursuing without experimental proof?

[rahaverhma]

We know the fact that we physicists are now understanding physics only mathematically(string theory) , there is not even a single physical variable(except time, space) in the equations. Yes, obviously, it had to happen because how much far can my eye see? It had already started from quantum mechanics.And,we have even hypothesized about multiverse, supersymmetry etc. But, you want the proof or be the witness in the lab. Dr. Hawking says it would require billions of dollars to experiment the now findings. So, I am frightened about my career that if all these theories would only be accepted after experiments, till then am I the person in doubt for myself? Then, my friend doing Computer Engineering is far much better than me cause he is doing something in reality and I was not? Advise me, please.

 

[Drakkith]

Science has to be tested in the real world, not just theorized on paper. What's the problem with that?

 

[rahaverhma]

Should I be getting my salary for some unproven theory? And it might even require trillions of dollars for that . actually, I want to be a theoretical physicist.

 

[jtbell]

Only a very small fraction of theoretical physicists work in string theory, and only a small fraction work in particle physics theory. All branches of physics have both experimental and theoretical aspects. Is there nothing in physics that interests you besides string or particle physics theory?

 

[Hypercube]

Hi there!

We know the fact that we physicists are now understanding physics only mathematically(string theory) , there is not even a single physical variable(except time, space) in the equations. Yes, obviously, it had to happen because how much far can my eye see?

I know very little about string theory, but how do you know what variables are used in equations? And what does any of this have to do with your eyesight? I'm struggling to understand your question (and I suspect others might also).

So, I am frightened about my career

You mean, your future career?

Dr. Hawking says it would require billions of dollars to experiment the now findings.

What prof Hawking (jokingly) said was:

We don't exactly know what the Planck length is in M-theory, but it might be as small as a millimeter divided by a hundred thousand billion billion billion. We are not about to build particle accelerators that can probe to distances that small. They would have to be larger than the solar system, and they are not likely to be approved in the present financial climate. (Universe in a Nutshell)

I am not in a position to give you general career advice, but I can tell you one thing: your life choices should not be based on what you read in "pop-sci" book. We have members here who specialise in theoretical particle physics, perhaps they can tell you more about how they get funding for their work, or what their work entails.

All the best.

 

[rahaverhma]

Hi there!

I know very little about string theory, but how do you know what variables are used in equations? And what does any of this have to do with your eyesight? I'm struggling to understand your question (and I suspect others might also).You mean, your future career?What prof Hawking (jokingly) said was:

We don't exactly know what the Planck length is in M-theory, but it might be as small as a millimeter divided by a hundred thousand billion billion billion. We are not about to build particle accelerators that can probe to distances that small. They would have to be larger than the solar system, and they are not likely to be approved in the present financial climate. (Universe in a Nutshell)

I am not in a position to give you general career advice, but I can tell you one thing: your life choices should not be based on what you read in "pop-sci" book. We have members here who specialise in theoretical particle physics, perhaps they can tell you more about how they get funding for their work, or what their work entails.

All the best.