(July 25, 2011 at 2:22 pm)Chuck Wrote: For a counterpoint, read Lee Smolin. In Lee's opinion, string theory is a mathematically indulgence disguising itself as a scientific theory, which has severely handicapped actual productivity of theoretical physics for 30 years by pushing every more untestable musings that makes no specific prediction, thus despite making ever more fantastic claims of infinite promise, had in reality made the last 30 years the only 30 year period since Newton when nothing new has really been added to the fundation of physics.
He also argued that strong theory blighted 2 whole generation of physicsts by training them to favor mathematical cleverness and extravagant visualizing over intellectual vigor of the testable hypothesis.
When I interned at the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics at UCSC, one professor, this elderly gentleman of eighty or so, hobbling around with such care that one might've suspected a slight breeze would've done him in, came with us to lunch at the local pizza place. As I sat down next to him, still interested from his talk on cosmology and traditional particle physics, I asked him "So what do you think, about this string theory thing."
Right then, he turned to me suddenly, and said: "Frankly, I think it is a load of shit." and resumed eating.
Being a rather unjaded high school intern (compared to the jaded motherfucker I am now), needless to say I was utterly caught off guard by his candor. And suppressing a slight laugh too.
