Quote:
Originally Posted by WT Sharpe
String theory is very plausible, and according to physicists it would resolve many unsolved problems in particle physics. The mathematics are solid. The only thing missing is any tangible evidence. The LHC may yield evidence of higher spacial dimensions required by string theory. It may also prove the existence of the Higgs particle. If no evidence of higher dimensions are found, that doesn't disprove string theory, however; it just means that the CERN couldn't find it. If no evidence is found for the Higgs boson when the LHC gets up to full power, however, that could be a major problem for current quantum theories. It could mean it's time to go back to the drawing board, as current theories are founded upon the belief that it's the Higgs that gives mass to other particles. Proof that the Higgs doesn't exist could be a big problem for theoretical physicists everywhere.
|
Lee Smolin in "The Trouble with Physics" makes a great case for String Theory being mostly wishful thinking. He was involved in the research for may years before abandoning it. I tend to agree with his analysis and his arguments. There are too many unknowns and possible variables as well as the lack of any unique predictions (that might be measured by the LHC).
The Higgs is the big one. If the LHC fails to detect it then all of physics could be at a crisis point.
