Peter Woit is a theoretical physicist and mathematician, currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Columbia University. Peter is known for his work in quantum field theory and representation theory, particularly for contributions to the understanding of gauge theories. In addition to his academic work, Woit is the author of "Not Even Wrong: The Failure of String Theory and the Search for Unity in Physical Law," where he critically examines string theory while advocating for alternative approaches in the quest for a unified physical theory.
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Links:
- Peter Woit’s first appearance on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z3JYb_g2Qs
- Peter Woit’s book on Quantum Theory and Representations: https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Theory-Groups-Representations-Introduction/dp/3319646109
- Peter Woit’s Papers - https://inspirehep.net/literature?sort=mostrecent&size=25&page=1&q=a%20P.Woit.1
- Peter Woit’s Blog - https://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/wordpress/
- Peter Woit’s book “Not Even Wrong”: https://amzn.to/3X8c1pS
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:31 - Overview of Unification in Physics and the Standard Model
05:11 - Historical Development of the Standard Model and its Success
07:00 - Introduction to General Relativity and its Challenges
09:32 - Unanswered Questions in the Standard Model (SU1, SU2, SU3)
13:12 - Technical Issues in Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity
17:24 - The Rise of Grand Unified Theories (GUTs)
21:07 - Challenges and Failures of GUTs (Proton Decay)
25:43 - Abandonment of GUTs and Introduction of Supersymmetry
26:45 - Basics of Supersymmetry and Its Predictions
31:28 - Failure of Supersymmetry (No Evidence for Superpartners)
32:08 - Supergravity, Kaluza-Klein Theories, and Extra Dimensions
35:52 - String Theory and the Unification Paradigm in the 1980s
39:00 - Experimental Failures and the Lack of Evidence for String Theory
41:00 - Ongoing Pursuit of Failed Theories and Resistance to New Ideas
47:09 - The Shift in Attitudes Towards Unification Efforts in Physics
48:13 - Introduction to Peter Woit's New Ideas on Unification
52:32 - The Role of Four-Dimensional Geometry and Spinors in Unification
58:11 - Wick Rotation and Differences Between Euclidean and Minkowski Space-Time
1:03:05 - Technical Challenges in Wick Rotation and Quantum Field Theory
1:09:01 - Unique Aspects of Spinors in Euclidean vs. Minkowski Space-Time
1:14:38 - The Dirac Operator and its Role in Space-Time Symmetry
1:18:02 - Relation to Supersymmetry and the Right-Handed Nature of Space-Time
1:22:04 - Connection to Gravity and Loop Quantum Gravity (Ashtakar Variables)
1:23:04 - Outro / Support TOE
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