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I recall reading a book on String Theory in the late 1990s edited by Ed Witten where he mentions the problems with physics and the limits of mathematical techni
by hilbert42 4y ago
I recall reading a book on String Theory in the late 1990s edited by Ed Witten where he mentions the problems with physics and the limits of mathematical techniques. It's long ago so I can't paraphrase his words accurately but he did so with such eloquence that I've long remembered the fact. He pitched the problem in terms of both existing physics and of new '21st Century' ideas inklings of which had somehow trickled down into the 20th Century and that physicists needed new mathematics to deal with them (I hope I've not mangled his words too much).
Nevertheless, I'm still in awe of Schwinger, Feynman et al who actually made renormalization work despite—according to Feynman—it being a 'dippy process'. These guys were truly physics and mathematics 'magicians'.
- mindcrime 4y agoHe pitched the problem in terms of both existing physics and of new '21st Century' ideas inklings of which had somehow trickled down into the 20th Century and that physicists needed new mathematics to deal with them (I hope I've not mangled his words too much). It has definitely been said that "String theory is part of 21st-century physics that fell by chance into the 20th century.". I can recall seeing variations of that quote in a few different books over the years. Interestingly though, a quick Google search (maybe I should have asked ChatGPT?) shows attributions to both Witten and Daniele Amati. So I'm not sure who said that particular bit first.
- hilbert42 4y agoNot surprised, it's a memorable quote. Some months ago, I mentioned the book to the colleague who originally loaned it to me with the view of borrowing it again but he no longer has it. I then did a quick search and couldn't place it. This has spurred me to look again, perhaps starting with GPT.