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That ignores the fact that string theory is supposed to be a physical theory of the universe. If a physics theory is untestable and can't be falsified, it's re
by scheme271 3y ago
That ignores the fact that string theory is supposed to be a physical theory of the universe. If a physics theory is untestable and can't be falsified, it's really hard to justify funding it using physics grant money. Might as well get funding from the math department.
- Ma8ee 3y agoHow about a physics theory that can’t be tested yet? That is what they claimed all this time, and I think it is perfectly reasonable to fund a promising theory while they work out the details of how it is going to be tested. The problem with String Theory is that it totally dominated the field for near 4 decades, and the only outcome seem to be some “beautiful” formalisms that they are still trying to make useful somewhere.
- jjgreen 3y ago"We will be able to falsify it in 100,000 years" gives you a handy funding window.
- Ma8ee 3y agoAnd if one or two, maybe even three researchers, with good track records, want funding for a long shot like this, I think that would be perfectly reasonable. It becomes a problem when it is declared as the one true way and clogs the whole research community for almost half a century.