String theory. Fact or fiction?

I want to get peoples oppinions on this. Do you think string theory exists?

For people who don't know what it is, let me give a brief explanation of string theory and how it unites the two fundemental theories of nature.

First off, eisteins theory of relativity. It describes the way matter works on large scales such as planets and stars. It incorporates the most fimilliar of the four forces of nature, gravity.

Second, Quantum mechanics. It describes how matter works on subatomic levels. It is ruled by chance and propability, unlike the theory of relativity, which is predictable. It incorporates the other four forces of nature: Electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear.

String theory, the great uniter.
For years scientists have tried to unite the two fundemental theories and have been unsucsessful. The two theories are dominant in their own domain, but when they collide with one another, the math is a big mess, and it doesn't make sense. Neither theories can explain things like black holes and the big bang, where heavy things get extremely small and all the 4 forces are joined. Enter, string theory.
String theory states that inside every subatomic particle, there is a tiny vibrating string of energy that gives mater its properties (mass, charge etc.) Think of it like a guitar string. Depending on the tension of the string, and where you pluck it, you can produce different musical notes. With strings in string theory, the different vibrations represent different properties. How does it unite the theories? String theory predicts a subatomic particle called a graviton, responsible for gravity and holds zero mass, (explains why we cant see it, only its visible signs). Now, despite all this, there are problems with string theory.
1. String theory predicts a particle called a tachion which moves faster than the speed of light, which goes against einsteins theory.
2. For string theory to work, there has to be 11 different dimensions. (For string theory to be correct that must be true)
3. We have yet to yeild any physical proof of string theory.
These are a few things make people disagree with string theory.

Now, knowing all of this.
Do you think string theory exists? why or why not?

 

A bit off topic, I think that the graviton itself doesn't exist. But something with similar capabilities does. I saw in a science journal that its believed to some aspects that electrons cause the space time curvature by moving in the loops.

I think the string theory isn't complete yet, there are aspects that I believe are invalid of just too un-tested.

 

I think the string theory is closer to the reality, but i don't think anyone has enough knowledge to know the exact truth yet.

 

It is not physics, it is a theory of physics.
There are physicists, and there are string theorists.

What if we don't yet have the technology to provide proof, but will one day?
If we were in the 1800's and someone proposed the idea of nuclear force. They would be looked at like a madman, because there is no way to prove it. But sure enough, today it is proven.

 

You've got to be a specialist in the field to have an opinion worth listening to on this topic. I don't know anything about string theory beyond what I understand from the news, and I doubt anyone else's knowledge goes much further than that here.

Besides, currently string theory is unfalsifiable and has no predictive power.

 

It does have possible predictive power.
LHC, read up.

 

You mean the idea of supersymmetry? That could be correct even if string theory is bunk. Furthermore, the LHC hasn't shown us anything yet so I stand by my original statement.

 

You said it was unfalsifiable, which is not true. Supersymetry is predicted in string theory and thats where the idea originated. Also it could not only prove supersymetry but could also give evidence of gravitons. Which would totally provide evidence that the string theory is on the right track.

 

There are no errors or anomoles in the math. Something so elegant could not be entirely wrong.

you're right, it may be unfalsifiable though.

 

No, it's definately Fact, no doubts.

 

i think anything is possible. if you look at evolution you can see that science as well progresses through the years coming up with new discoveries. most of those discoveries started off a theories and then eventually got tested and became facts. or atleast believed to be facts by most. anyway i think that the only thing kinda messed up with string theory is the 11th dimensions rule. it is impossible. if there was any other dimensions we would have noticed them by now.. or atleast some how gotten clues and theories about these dimensions.

 

Why do you not believe it. Because you can't see them? Tell me, if there were extra dimentions, how would we detect them without this theory?

String theory suggests that these dimentions are too small to see, and are warped in a way that makes them invisible to us. These extra dimentions also give and explanation as to why gravity is so inconceivably weak compared to the other forces.

Here is a video that may clear things up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-6ZUg8Ja_0

 

I agree with Tyson, in the sense that no one has the knowledge to know the truth yet, but it is just a matter of time. Someone only needs the time and equipment before they can prove it.

 

yeah i believe the theory is closer to reality, who would actually know the exact truth? :S?

 

I was kind of confused about what string theory is, but! No proof = not real.

 

I agree humans do not have the knowledge and i believe never will.

Knowledge can only be gained to a certain state and every answer leaves more questions.

I do not agree light is the fastest thing. There has to something so fast that is unmeasurable both with theory and math.

And i do not understand the word "dimension" a parrellel universe? Its just impossible if we are in one universe how can there be parrellel dimensions? If so how would it be possible to break the force holding each dimension.... How to communicate with each other dimension, via gravitational waves? Via radiation? Who knows and there would have to be another form of intelligent life out there that have existed billions of years before the humans that have to have a greater understading of the universe, but if so why havnt they contacted us? Or how about the theory that our world is just a project for Super intelligent life and we are in their their school homework? And i do believe that there is far intelligent life form than humans and already know so much if not everything there is to know.

 

this is sad