Although some flavor of string theory may yet prove to be the path to the grand, falsifiable and experimentally verifiable theory that unifies all known aspects of physics, I suggest a reading of some dissenting opinions such as that by Lee Somlin, outlined in his book "the trouble with physics". The dissension goes deeper than merely the questioning the technical merit of string theory. It attacks the very philosophical approach that pushed string theory to the fore, and argues string theory as having been developed hitherto is intrinsically incapable of making unique, falsifiable predictions of the type that could ultimately establish it's validity, as opposed to it's mathematical elegance.
A close relative of mine who is a Nobel laureate in physics concurs with this opinion, and suggests working on string theory is a sure way to both get a tenure now and be consigned to oblivion by history.
A close relative of mine who is a Nobel laureate in physics concurs with this opinion, and suggests working on string theory is a sure way to both get a tenure now and be consigned to oblivion by history.
