PF Poll: Who Bets on SUSY Solution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a poll regarding the preference for supersymmetry (SUSY) as a solution in theoretical physics, particularly in relation to other theories like loop quantum gravity (LQG) and string theory. Participants express their views on the validity and exclusivity of these theories, as well as their opinions on the nature of the poll itself.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a preference for SUSY, with one indicating a split between SUSY and LQG.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of comparing SUSY and LQG, as they aim to explain different phenomena.
  • Several participants criticize the poll format, suggesting it encourages cheerleading for theories rather than serious scientific discussion.
  • One participant notes that the poll does not include string theory, which influences their choice to vote for SUSY.
  • There is a sentiment that the section attracts naive questions and uninformed opinions, which detracts from meaningful discourse.
  • Some participants express indifference towards the poll, suggesting it was intended for fun rather than serious analysis of the theories.
  • One participant expresses offense at the exclusion of Pastafarianism from the poll options, likening the discussion to religious belief.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the appropriateness of the poll and the comparison of theories. There is no consensus on the value of the poll or the theories discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the lack of exclusivity in the choices presented in the poll and the potential for misunderstanding among those less versed in the mathematical details of the theories.

Where would you put your dollar on?

  • SUSY

    Votes: 2 22.2%

  • LQG

    Votes: 4 44.4%

  • CCC

    Votes: 1 11.1%

  • MWI

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • neither of the above

    Votes: 2 22.2%

  • a mixture of the above

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    9
  • Poll closed .
fresh_42
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Today I was watching some videos which were posted here on PF. E.g. a long interview with Sir Roger Penrose on CCC. That made me ask, how are the current theories supported by the members of PF. Is there a majority who would bet on a SUSY solution? So ...
 
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I'm split between SUSY and LQG, but for the time being anyway, I'm going with SUSY.
(but my bet is in Euro currency).
 
I'm not sure whether these choices make sense. E.g., SUSY and LQG aim to explain different things.
 
haushofer said:
I'm not sure whether these choices make sense. E.g., SUSY and LQG aim to explain different things.

Since he didn't put string theory, I voted SUSY - very high energy SUSY :)
 
This thread sums up why I dislike this section. It's more about cheerleading (rah ! rah! for our theory!) than science. This particular poll asks people to decide between choices that are not exclusive: do you walk to work or bring a lunch?

Bah, humbug!
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
This thread sums up why I dislike this section. It's more about cheerleading (rah ! rah! for our theory!) than science. This particular poll asks people to decide between choices that are not exclusive: do you walk to work or bring a lunch?

Bah, humbug!
You can dislike this section how much you like, but the fact of the matter is that people who come here in physicsforums are mostly people who aren't well versed in the mathematical technicalities of these theories, so if they come to this section they mostly ask naive questions without into going to technicalities; but as every scientist knows the details are the most important part of every science.
There's no easy route to go in science.
 
I don't mind naive questions. I mind uninformed opinions.
 
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I don't mind if you close this thread, I agree that it's quite ridiculous poll, but we had similar polls when Marcus were alive.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
This thread sums up why I dislike this section. It's more about cheerleading (rah ! rah! for our theory!) than science. This particular poll asks people to decide between choices that are not exclusive: do you walk to work or bring a lunch?

Bah, humbug!

Are you a cheer leader for Frequentist thinking or do you believe the space of theories is discrete?
 
  • #10
It was meant to be a fun and to look at tendencies. Not as a serious discussion on the various models. There are already plenty of them.
Penrose has been far less picky as he talked about, e.g. the entropy problem in his model and those of others.
I simply was curious where the majority tends to.
Close it, I don't mind.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
MathematicalPhysicist said:
I don't mind if you close this thread, I agree that it's quite ridiculous poll, but we had similar polls when Marcus were alive.

Marcus died?
 
  • #13
Vanadium 50 said:
[...] this section [is] more about cheerleading (rah ! rah! for our theory!) than science.
Yeah -- too much like religion.

In fact, I'm VERY OFFENDED that Pastafarianism was not included on the list of options.
 

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