The Trouble With Physics

Опубликовано 7 сентября 2016, 16:33

Theoretical physicist Smolin argues that the study of physics has lost its way in the past two decades, largely because string theory has captured the imagination of both the public and some prominent physicists. There is one deep flaw he sees in string theory: no part of it has been tested and no one knows how to test it. In fact, the theory appears to come in an infinite number of versions, meaning that no experiment will ever be able to prove it false. Yet it has soaked up the lionΓÇÖs share of funding, attracted some of the best minds and even penalized young physicists who question it. The search for a theory of everything that is both ΓÇ£beautifulΓÇ¥ and ΓÇ£elegantΓÇ¥ has, he argues, derailed progress in the world of physics. Smolin will discuss the rise and fall of string theory and outline some exciting new ideas that can replace it-and are testable.