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String theory slowly unravelling, supporter concedes. But press on!

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Further to: Article in Nature defends integrity of physics against multiverse, string theory, we learn from Brian Greene in the Smithsonian mag:

Looking back, I’m gratified at how far we’ve come but disappointed that a connection to experiment continues o elude us. While my own research has migrated from highly mathematical forays into extra-dimensional arcana to more applied studies of string theory’s cosmological insights, I now hold only modest hope that the theory will confront data during my lifetime.

Even so, string theory’s pull remains strong. Its ability to seamlessly meld general relativity and quantum mechanics remains a primary achievement, but the allure goes deeper still. Within its majestic mathematical structure, a diligent researcher would find all of the best ideas physicists have carefully developed over the past few hundred years. It’s hard to believe such depth of insight is accidental.

I like to think that Einstein would look at string theory’s journey and smile, enjoying the theory’s remarkable geometrical features while feeling kinship with fellow travelers on the long and winding road toward unification. All the same, science is powerfully self-correcting. Should decades drift by without experimental support, I imagine that string theory will be absorbed by other areas of science and mathematics, and slowly shed a unique identity. In the interim, vigorous research and a large dose of patience are surely warranted. If experimental confirmation of string theory is in the offing, future generations will look back on our era as transformative, a time when science had the fortitude to nurture a remarkable and challenging theory, resulting in one of the most profound steps toward understanding reality.
More.

Did you note this?: “I now hold only modest hope that the theory will confront data during my lifetime.” Data used to be a starting point for science, not a wistful modest hope.

I have been hearing this kind of thing since I started the beat a dozen years ago. The string monster doesn’t die because it can’t.

Look, can we just be honest about something for once?

If string theory had any backing at all, given its possible promotion of the multiverse, it would be court-ordered in the compulsory school system now, and there would be National Center for Science Educations and BioLogos’s getting funding to defend it, to gullible atheists and gullible Christians respectively.

Darwinism settled in early and has taken a long time to disconfirm. But this sucker never even got off the ground once. Still, there are still a bunch of people running along the runway, supporting the wings and hoping the oomph! lift will be enough. I expect that to continue indefinitely. – O’Leary for News

See also: The multiverse: Where everything turns out to be true, except philosophy and religion

As if the multiverse wasn’t bizarre enough …meet Many Worlds

In search of a road to reality

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Comments
liljenborg @ 3 There is no majestic math equivalent to String theory for God, unless you believe He is in one of the 7 comfactified extra dimensions at Planck scale.Me_Think
December 18, 2014
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That WAS an excellent point, Liljenborg. But maybe the "Majestic Math" emerged from randomness. By chance. Guess we'll have to rethink that whole random thing lol:) BTW, Dembski suggests in his new book that even Chance is guided. Great book.ppolish
December 18, 2014
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liljenborg@3
But you cannot suggests that there could be a transcendent, intelligent God whose presence permeates the universe, even though we cannot measure or detect it, that must exist because the existence of “majestic math” tells us so.
Excellent point!tjguy
December 18, 2014
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String theory is the best bet for unifying the fundamental forces. Now people can stop talking about Quantum gravity and gravitons. String theory has already consumed the careers and lives of many Postgrads. It is time to stop funding guys like Michio Kaku.Me_Think
December 18, 2014
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String Theory tells us that there are whole dimensions to this universe, all over the place that we can neither measure or detect, but they must be there because the "majestic math" tells us so. But you cannot suggests that there could be a transcendent, intelligent God whose presence permeates the universe, even though we cannot measure or detect it, that must exist because the existence of "majestic math" tells us so.liljenborg
December 18, 2014
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String . . . unraveling . . . Ha ha ha.Barry Arrington
December 18, 2014
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Within its majestic mathematical structure, a diligent researcher would find all of the best ideas physicists have carefully developed over the past few hundred years.
Conversely, within its majestic mathematical structure, a diligent researcher could also find all of the worst ideas ever proposed over the past few hundred years. A theory which can be molded to explain anything, explains nothing.cantor
December 18, 2014
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