Is string theory just a new math?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of string theory, questioning whether it represents a unique theory of reality or serves as a mathematical framework applicable to various branches of physics, such as quantum computing and condensed matter physics. Participants explore the implications of string theory's mathematical contributions and its current status in the scientific community.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the mathematics derived from string theory has beneficial applications in other fields, including quantum computing and condensed matter physics.
  • Others express skepticism regarding the lack of experimental evidence supporting string theory, questioning its validity and suggesting it may be an attempt to justify extensive research efforts.
  • One participant notes that string theory is still considered to be in its infancy, implying that significant evidence may not emerge soon.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of string theory being in its infancy by comparing it to general relativity, which has been established for a longer period.
  • There is mention of specific applications of string theory equations in black hole physics and their potential relevance to quantum computing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of viewpoints, with some supporting the idea of string theory as a valuable mathematical framework while others remain critical of its lack of empirical support. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the validity or future of string theory.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on definitions of "infancy" in the context of scientific theories and the unresolved status of experimental evidence related to string theory.

redrum419_7
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I have read in a couple different places that the math that comes out of string theory has helped a couple of different other branches of physics like quantum computing and condensed matter physics.

Quote from: http://www.ams.org/news/math-in-the-media/11-2011-media

"Maybe string theory is not a unique theory of reality, but something deeper--a set of mathematical principles that can be used to relate all physical theories. Maybe string theory is the new calculus."

I am wondering what any of your thoughts about this are.
 
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Cynical comment: String theory has been around for many years, but there has been (little or) no experimental evidence for or against. It sounds like someone is trying to justify all the effort that has gone into its development.
 
mathman said:
Cynical comment: String theory has been around for many years, but there has been (little or) no experimental evidence for or against. It sounds like someone is trying to justify all the effort that has gone into its development.

String Theory's in its infancy. I wouldn't expect too much evidence to arise for or against it.
 
Whovian said:
String Theory's in its infancy. I wouldn't expect too much evidence to arise for or against it.

What?

Nobody said of GR that it's in its infancy, and String Theory is with us from the 1980's (if not more).
 
redrum419_7 said:
I have read in a couple different places that the math that comes out of string theory has helped a couple of different other branches of physics like quantum computing and condensed matter physics.
Me too.

For example, I once heard a talk about the possibility to transfer a problem with strong coupling (like QCD) to a similar problem with weak coupling (which can be calculated perturbatively) in a different spacetime geometry. I didn't get the details, but the speaker (or his working group) was able to handle the tricky QCD calculations with this approach.

String Theory's in its infancy.
And I don't expect that this will change in the next decades :wink:.
 
Further cynical comment: Which will come to fruition first, string theory or nuclear fusion power (it's been 20 years away for the last 50 years or so)?
 
One of the articles I read mentioned that the string theory equations for a black hole can be used for some part of quantum computing.
 

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