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That is not the problem. Any predictive unification of quantum field theory and general relativity will be mathematical in nature. A unification which is not
by nilkn 12y ago
That is not the problem.
Any predictive unification of quantum field theory and general relativity will be mathematical in nature.
A unification which is not mathematical is guaranteed to never be predictive and to never aid in the construction of a unified theory which is predictive, because the problems to be solved here are indeed entirely mathematical (divergent integrals).
String theory is a unification which is mathematical. Its direct empirical support is indeed currently none. However, as Hawking stated, it remains the only serious viable theory of everything right now. Every other competing theory has been found to have serious intrinsic issues, let alone lack of experimental support.
People take string theory seriously not because it's some vague unification. They take it seriously because it solves extremely difficult mathematical problems. Even if it turns out to be wrong, it is fairly likely that the mathematical insight gained will be invaluable. Indeed, it has even led to at least one awarding of the Fields Medal for advances in pure mathematics, to Edward Witten.
- guscost 12y agoYour point about the need for prediction is relevant, but string theory is currently in the class of ideas which have no prospect of making meaningful predictions anytime soon. You might want to argue that the mathematical formulation makes the possibility that this will change in the future more likely, but I honestly don't see how that follows.