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>String theory, and the 'reproducability problem' I do not know what is your experience with science, but it is not how it works. In most cases research leads
by kestonis 6y ago
>String theory, and the 'reproducability problem'
I do not know what is your experience with science, but it is not how it works. In most cases research leads to unexpected results in grand scale. F.e. Research in string theory field led to developing new mathematics which eventually helped to calculate particle paths in LHS, which helped to make gathering data manageable and which lead to discovering Higgs boson.
>most socially unaware people (often science)
99% successful scientists are very socially aware. Usually socially unaware people do not become successful even in science.
>social artifacts can dominate their sphere
Because thats how world works. F.e. phd student does his own research, then he consults with his professor, who suggests how to add marketable layer to his research and with that layer his research becomes one for string theorists, though it was not his initial goal. This marketable layer helps him get the grant.
>Now, the existential issue of the fact that their 'entire worldview' and 'life-long work' is tied up in something, delusions can become very strongly internalized.
This is made by popular media, movies. Most scientists live normal life, create families, try separate work from life, therefore research does not come from worldview.
- jariel 6y ago"Research in string theory field led to developing new mathematics which eventually helped to calculate particle paths in LHS," I think this is koolaid. String Theory is Probably Wrong. Thousands of PhDs have been minted, a zillion talks and publications, conferences, think tanks, books, 'Science PR' - all for wish-wash. That 'String Theory helped some thing over in the corner' does not validate all the investment. With the clearly lacking 'Self Awareness', it's possible that Science could have gone in a variety of directions, producing or necessitating all sorts of other, likely more useful things, out of which some 'useful math' may have also been developed. But instead we put a lot of effort into vaporware. Why? Because it's human nature - people don't want to accept they are riding a meme, and lack objectivity. ... "This is made by popular media, movies. Most scientists live normal life, create families, try separate work from life, therefore research does not come from worldview. " Again, I don't think you're maybe grasping what I am saying. It's normative for people, especially serious people, to be wrapped up in a 'world view'. Businessmen talk about 'free markets' all day long, often completely ignoring real externalities. Socialist politicians, clouded by their goodwill, are often dangerously unaware of basic economics, the realities of Supply and Demand. Military Generals may sometimes see a possible 'military solution to every geopolitical problem'. It's even 'more normal' for someone working on something arcane and abstract to be tied up in their passion and ambition. Case and Point: String Theory. It seems as though String Theory is probably mostly hogwash. How many String Theorists would admit that? Or even the very real possibility of it? And how many will take their 'belief' to the grave? It's obviously not 'entirely a waste' - but if Science wants to really maintain credibility, it needs a giant dose of self awareness there - and also with the 'reproducibility' problem. Edit: for some nice examples of cultish, self re-affirming behaviour [1]. [1] https://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/wordpress/?p=9375 https://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/wordpress/?p=9375