What exists between Strings in String Theory?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of existence in string theory, particularly what exists between strings and the relationship between string theory and quantum field theory. Participants explore concepts related to the fundamental nature of reality, spacetime, and the implications of string theory on our understanding of the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that in perturbative string theory, the space between strings is described as a flat 10-dimensional spacetime, but acknowledge that this is not the complete picture without non-perturbative string theory.
  • Others argue that string theory may not correspond to reality and that quantum field theory (QFT) is currently the most advanced theory describing the universe, where matter is treated as fields.
  • A later reply suggests that recent research in black holes indicates a potential need to abandon the concept of a spacetime continuum at the Planck scale or under strong gravity conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and completeness of string theory compared to quantum field theory. There is no consensus on what exists between strings or the implications of string theory for our understanding of reality.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of current understanding, particularly regarding non-perturbative string theory and the challenges in reconciling string theory with observable phenomena.

icantevenn
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Hello,
I am new to this.
As I understand it, the difference between the quantum field theory and string theory is that in the former, physical field is considered as the fundamental reality, while in the latter it is believed that everything comes out of strings. My question is, by everything do we mean matter and energy? What about space? What exists between two strings, for instance? Field?
 
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In perturbative string theory, between strings is a flat 10-dimensional spacetime. But perturbative string theory is not a full story. A full answer requires non-perturbative string theory. Unfortunately, nobody knows what non-perturbative string theory really is.
 
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Demystifier said:
In perturbative string theory, between strings is a flat 10-dimensional spacetime. But perturbative string theory is not a full story. A full answer requires non-perturbative string theory. Unfortunately, nobody knows what non-perturbative string theory really is.
Thank you!
 
String theory has nothing to do with reality. We don't have classical approximation of String theory (QFT). There are many others problems with string theory. Most advanced theory which is describe the Universe is quantum field theory, where we consider all matter as a fields.
 
icantevenn said:
Hello,
I am new to this.
As I understand it, the difference between the quantum field theory and string theory is that in the former, physical field is considered as the fundamental reality, while in the latter it is believed that everything comes out of strings. My question is, by everything do we mean matter and energy? What about space? What exists between two strings, for instance? Field?

There are hints from cutting-edge research in black holes (using AdS/CFT and quantum information) that you might have to give up on the notion of a spacetime continuum (and also unitarity) close to the Planck scale and/or for strong gravity.
 
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zxz12 said:
String theory has nothing to do with reality. We don't have classical approximation of String theory (QFT). There are many others problems with string theory. Most advanced theory which is describe the Universe is quantum field theory, where we consider all matter as a fields.
String theory is a quantum field theory.
 
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