What are your opinions of theoretical physics, string theory, m-theory?

Question

Nice answer some, NICE. thanks

Answer 1

Let's back up a little bit here.  To what end are these ideas postulated?

To better understand the reality in which we exist.

In that context, I am "all for" these ideas which cannot yet be validated.  But it is important to try to "invalidate" these ideas as much as possible.  That allows us to hone in on models that better describe our reality.

From a historical perspective, "classical mechanics" (based on Newtonian physics) did a wonderful job of describing the reality as understood to that era.  It was only later that a new model (relativistic physics) was required to better explain new-found inconsistencies within the Newtonian model.  Newtonian physics is still somewhat valid, as it merely becomes the "degenerative" case asymptotically approached in "low-velocity / low acceleration" mechanics.

Quantum Mechanics was similarly brought forth due to inconsistencies with the Relativity model.  String theory, membranes, etc, represent our current attempts to develop a model to tie everything together better.  Clearly we are not done!

Answer 2

Although intriguing concepts, most of it is speculation and guesswork. If it can't be tested in a lab, it ain't science. Looking at an actual "string" can conform these speculations, and even our most powerful microscopes are nowhere near that capability. Infact it isn't physically possible to 'see' something that small and have definitive answers. It goes against basic laws of quatum mechanics.

Answer 3

my views?  string theory is g*y, m-theory is gayer.  it's like you said, there is no evidence to validate those theories.  unless you live in the 11th dimension.  in which case, i don't care, because i don't associate with people from the 11th dimension.  they can just all go back to the 11th dimension, we don't like their kind here.

Answer 4

I guess, all in all, the whole universe may as well be made of cheer energy resulting from constant cycles of bang and crush. How the smallest particle is presented? I'm not really sure it is not a question of scales (maybe infinite) depending on the moment of the universe.

I think that if (maybe when) we get to prove string theory, we may find smaller scale components of the strings themselves. If one day we somehow reach the edge of the universe, we may find it's just a part of a greater system. Why not?

The great thing about science is that it keeps bringing us humans better means of living. The bad thing is that man isn't all that much worth of playing God as he is inherently self-destructive. :(

Answer 5

I think string theory is definitely possible, but I'm not schooled enough to any of the specifics about it. I do find it very interesting though.