Why string theory

Description

Is string theory a fraud or one of the great scientific advances? Why do so many physicists work on string theory if it cannot be tested? This book provides insight into why such a theory, with little direct experimental support, plays such a prominent role in theoretical physics. The book gives a modern and accurate account of string theory and science, explaining what string theory is, why it is regarded as so promising, and why it is hard to test. Read more... Abstract: Is string theory a fraud or one of the great scientific advances? Why do so many physicists work on string theory if it cannot be tested? This book provides insight into why such a theory, with little direct experimental support, plays such a prominent role in theoretical physics. The book gives a modern and accurate account of string theory and science, explaining what string theory is, why it is regarded as so promising, and why it is hard to test Content: Why? -- Long wait -- Scales of science : little and large -- Big lessons of physics -- The truth is out there -- What? -- What was string theory? -- What is string theory? -- Wht for? (Direct experimental evidence for string theory? -- What for? -- Direct experimental evidence for string theory -- whay strings? Mathematics -- Why strings? Cosmology and particle physics -- Why strings? Quantum gravity -- Who? -- A thousand flowers blooming : styles of science -- Epicfail? criticisms of string theory -- Why string theorry?