Is Studying String Theory Worthwhile for a Future in Theoretical Physics?

[BolitaKini]

Hello, I am studing theoretical physics and i would like to focus my work in string theory, but my fellows say that is a waste of time. ¿Do you think that is worthwhile to spend my time and effort un string theory?
Greetings

 

[Milsomonk]

So I'm not sure who you mean by "fellows" but I'm not sure anyone is really in a position to call it a waste of time.

I have just recently begun my MSc in Theoretical Physics and I also wanted to learn about String Theory. I have had my own concerns about whether it is a worthwhile focus for my PhD or future research, you hear a lot about how the field is stagnating and there hasn't been any major breakthroughs in some time.

Especially whilst picking a project for my dissertation I've had the pleasure of discussing String Theory with a fair few academics, none of whom's research is in the field of String Theory, some of whom work on quantum gravity, every one of them told me if I was interested in String Theory I should absolutely go for it and it is in no way a waste of time.

I think in order to see the value of research in String Theory one needs to think of it as so much more than a theory of quantum gravity, or even a theory of everything, what it has already done for the development of mathematics and what it could continue to do is more than enough for me to say its not a waste of time.

Maybe a more important question than is it a waste of time might be is it a waste of your time? if you find it interesting and it satisfies whatever curiosity you have as a Physicist then I would imagine the answer is no?

 

[ZapperZ]

Hello, I am studing theoretical physics and i would like to focus my work in string theory, but my fellows say that is a waste of time. ¿Do you think that is worthwhile to spend my time and effort un string theory?
Greetings

You may study anything you want, but the question is, what do you want to DO with it?

Inevitably, the question EMPLOYMENT (remember that?) comes into play. So where in the world are you, or where in the world do you intend to seek employment after you graduate? What are the employment rate there of not only physics degree holders, but also degree holders having an expertise in THAT area that you want to specialize in? What are the odds that you will find someone or some institution that will pay you money to continue your work in string theory?

Rather than asking if it is a "waste of time", which really is subjective, ask these questions that I've asked you and ponder the possible answers.

Zz.

 

[BolitaKini]

I'm studing a MSc in theoretical physics, i had to choose a subject for my final project, i asked the question because it is linked with a future PhD, finally i chose the AdS/CFT correspondance. Thanks for your time.

 

[ZapperZ]

I'm studing a MSc in theoretical physics, i had to choose a subject for my final project, i asked the question because it is linked with a future PhD, finally i chose the AdS/CFT correspondance. Thanks for your time.

Just to point out something in case you missed it, but you didn't even address the issues that I brought up.

Zz.