#246 – Peter Woit: Theories of Everything and Why String Theory is Not Even Wrong
Dec 3, 2021
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Peter Woit, a theoretical physicist and author of the blog "Not Even Wrong," dives deep into the complexities of string theory and its failures. He discusses the challenges of creating a unifying theory of quantum gravity, revealing the inadequacies of string theory's predictions. With insights on the interplay between mathematics and physics, Woit highlights the philosophical implications of scientific beauty. He also critiques the sociological aspects of string theory and the quest for greater understanding in theoretical physics. A fascinating exploration of what lies between mathematics and reality!
String theory aims to unify particle interactions and gravity in a 10D space, facing challenges in dimension reduction and perturbative nature.
Exploring higher dimensions requires complex mathematical considerations, leading to various unresolved paths and diverse string theory interpretations.
Ed Witten has made groundbreaking contributions transcending string theory, reshaping mathematics and physics with profound impacts beyond standard models.
The quest to surpass the standard model post-1973 remains elusive, with string theory falling short in unifying gravity with quantum field theory.
Twister theory offers a new perspective on space-time, viewing points as light-ray spheres in a 4D space, involving spinners and mathematical adjustments for quantum theories.
Deep dives
Critique of String Theory
String theory originated as an attempt to unify the standard model of particle interactions and gravity by representing particles as one-dimensional loops in a 10-dimensional space. The challenge arose when trying to reduce the 10 dimensions to the observable 4 dimensions through compactification. The perturbative nature of string theory in 10 dimensions poses a significant obstacle, leading to diverse attempts to resolve this issue, such as the Collabe-Yau postulate.
Complexity of Extra Dimensions
Exploring dimensions beyond the observable four poses challenges due to the vast possibilities and complexities involved in understanding higher-dimensional spaces. Efforts to compactify or explain the unobervability of additional dimensions require intricate mathematical and physical considerations, often leading to numerous unresolved theoretical paths and diverse string theory explanations.
Ed Witten's Contributions
Ed Witten, a prominent figure in mathematics and physics, has made groundbreaking contributions that transcend string theory. His work has revolutionized the relationship between mathematics and physics, with profound impacts on both fields. Witten's brilliance and achievements extend beyond string theory into areas that have reshaped fundamental understanding in mathematics and physics.
Challenges in String Theory Beyond 1973
Post-1973, the challenge of surpassing the standard model has proven extremely difficult due to the remarkable success of its four fundamental laws. The elusive quest to unify gravity with quantum field theory remains a central focus in theoretical physics, with attempts at string theory falling short of achieving the sought-after breakthrough.
Twister Theory and Spinners
Twister theory introduces a different way of conceptualizing space and time by considering points in space-time as spheres of light rays. It suggests viewing space-time points as residing in a four-dimensional space and visualizes them as spheres in this space. Spinners, which are pairs of complex numbers, play a key role in understanding fundamental particles, revealing the deeper complexity of geometry beyond vectors. The unique properties of spinners, such as their behavior under rotations and representation in complex dimensions, challenge conventional geometric interpretations.
Time Treatment in Quantum Theory
An exploration of modifying time coordinates in quantum theory by multiplying them by the square root of minus one reveals significant mathematical advantages and simplifications. This approach results in more well-behaved formulas and offers a consistent framework for quantum theories. By implementing this mathematical adjustment, the theory experiences a fundamental shift with implications for symmetries and structure, presenting unexpected outcomes in how symmetries manifest within the theory.
Expectations for Nobel Prize Connections
Considering the potential for a Nobel Prize linked to advancements in physics, discussions center around bets made by scientists like Michio Kaku and Jon Horkin about the likelihood of such recognition. The emergence of transformative ideas in fields like Twister Theory and Spinner geometry sparks speculation on Nobel-worthy breakthroughs. Long-term engagements with theoretical frameworks, mathematical modifications, and predictions play a role in shaping the trajectory of potential Nobel Prize-winning contributions in physics.
Challenges in Modern Physics
Modern physics faces challenges due to the difficulty of conducting experiments at higher energy levels, leading to a lack of unexpected input. Predictions indicate that although data collection will increase significantly, higher-energy accelerators won't emerge successfully in the next 20 years. There is skepticism about major shifts in the understanding of underlying physics, even with advanced data processing methodologies like machine learning.
Ethical Communication in Physics
The importance of honest and transparent communication in physics is emphasized to avoid promoting ideas that are not scientifically proven. Misrepresentation of concepts, particularly in popular science narratives, can discredit the scientific enterprise. The responsibility to inspire without overselling unverified theories lies in accurately representing the field, especially to aspiring physicists and researchers, fostering diversity of thought and maintaining humility in scientific pursuits.
Peter Woit is a theoretical physicist, mathematician, critic of string theory, and author of the popular science blog Not Even Wrong. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:22) – Physics vs mathematics
(21:51) – Beauty of mathematics
(43:42) – String theory
(1:12:15) – Theory of everything
(1:32:23) – Twistor theory and spinors
(1:48:50) – Nobel Prize likelihood for theory of everything
(1:52:36) – Simulating physics
(1:56:07) – Sci-Fi, aliens and space
(2:05:19) – Responsibility of scientists
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