Waffling metaphors and waving strings

[DiracPool]

I just watched this video on sixty symbols and it reminded me of that Brian Greene elegant universe series where the idea is that extra dimensions are wrapped up in a 10 degree spiral regression of twists and turns into smaller realms. The example in the above videos being something that is perceptually a line at one distance, but is actually a cylinder at closer inspection, etc.

Is this a good metaphor? Dont we have classical concepts that account for these perceptual anomalies such as scale variance and invariance in space and time? Do we really need the concept of extra dimensions to tell me that a 2-D billboard I see from a few miles down the road actually has a thickness to it that I see when I drive past it? It sounds almost absurd that that is the best they got, so to speak, to explain this to the lay public.

I'm sure the null response is going to be that the mathematics is sound. However, when you're arguing a point from 16 orders of magnitude smaller than can actually be verified, and you're using 7 extra "phantom" dimensions to do that, it seems very suspect.

I mean, I can create a phantom universe and make the math come out exactly the way I want, trust me, how is this string, or "M" theory any different? Convince me, please, I want to be a believer!

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the concept of extra dimensions and its use in explaining perceptual anomalies. I can understand your skepticism and desire for more convincing evidence.

Firstly, I would like to clarify that the concept of extra dimensions is not just a metaphor, but a well-established theoretical framework in physics. It is used to explain phenomena that cannot be accounted for by our current understanding of the universe. This includes the behavior of subatomic particles and the unification of fundamental forces.

As for the example of a 2-D billboard appearing as a 3-D object at a closer distance, this is not just a matter of scale variance or invariance. In fact, it is the result of light bending and interacting with the surface of the billboard in a way that creates the illusion of depth. This is a well-known phenomenon in optics and does not require the concept of extra dimensions to explain.

However, in other areas of physics, such as in string theory and M-theory, the concept of extra dimensions is necessary to explain certain observed phenomena. These theories have been extensively studied and are supported by mathematical equations and experimental evidence.

I understand your concern about the use of 16 orders of magnitude and 7 extra dimensions in these theories. However, it is important to note that these concepts are not just arbitrarily chosen to fit the desired outcome. They are the result of rigorous mathematical calculations and are constantly being tested and refined through experiments.

As scientists, our goal is not to blindly believe in a theory, but to constantly question and test it in order to gain a better understanding of the universe. I encourage you to continue to ask questions and seek evidence, as that is the essence of scientific inquiry.

Thank you for your interest in this topic and I hope this response has provided some clarity.