Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Cumrun Vafa: Is String Theory Actually Science? (#368)

Nov 17, 2023

Cumrun Vafa, a renowned mathematician and physicist, joins Brian Keating to tackle the criticism against string theory and whether it should be considered science. They dive into the distinguish between puzzles and mysteries, explore the falsifiability of string theory, and discuss the relationship between religion and science. The podcast also touches on the importance of open-mindedness in physics, the possibility of a billion-year time capsule, and the connection between atoms, math, and string theory.

01:08:58

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Cumrun Vafa

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Quick takeaways

Puzzles and mysteries in theoretical physics inspire new ideas and perspectives, contributing to our understanding of the universe.

Puzzles provide inspiration and lead to significant scientific insights, driving progress in physics research.

Science and religion are separate domains that can coexist without contradicting or reinforcing each other, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs.

Deep dives

The Fascination with Unsolvable Mysteries and Paradoxes

The podcast explores the fascination with unsolvable mysteries and paradoxes in the field of theoretical physics. It discusses how contradictory views and puzzles inspire new ideas and perspectives. The importance of being open to different viewpoints and embracing the multitude of attitudes and views is emphasized. Various examples are given, such as the Enigma of Quantum Mechanics and the mysteries surrounding black holes. The speaker highlights the relationship between puzzles and mysteries, how they reinforce each other, and how they contribute to advancing our understanding of the universe.

Deciding which Scientific Puzzles are Worth Solving

02:41

Exploring the Motivation and Structure of Our Universe

04:58

Introduction

4min

The Distinction Between Mysteries and Puzzles

7min

Exploring the Falsifiability of String Theory

25min

Exploring Gauge Symmetry and its Role in Describing Spin One Particles

3min

The Relationship Between Religion and Science

18min

The Importance of Duality and Open-Mindedness in Physics and Society

2min

Exploring the Possibility of a Billion-Year Time Capsule

2min

The Connection Between Atoms, Math, and String Theory

4min

Many argue that string theory cannot be proven and should therefore be abandoned. For them, string theory is not science at all. But are they right?

Here to discuss these claims with me is none other than Cumrun Vafa! Cumrun is the Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics at Harvard University, where he has been researching and teaching theoretical physics since 1985. His primary area of research is string theory.

In our interview, we discussed why we should trust String Theory, Fine Tuning, and the message he'd put into a billion-year time capsule. We also talked about his recently released book Puzzles to Unravel the Universe.

Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Judging a book by its cover (01:04)
What is a puzzle versus a mystery? (03:37)
Is string theory actually science? (10:37)
Dimensional analysis (17:02)
Singularities (19:41)
ADS and 5 dimensions (27:04)
Abandoning string theory (34:12)
Supersymmetry (35:12)
On religion (39:50)
A scorecard for physics (52:18)
What would your "ethical will" be? (56:51)
What have you accomplished that once seemed impossible? (1:02:22)

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📚 Puzzles to Unravel the Universe by Cumrun Vafa: https://a.co/d/iWnNDup

💻 Cumrun’s website: https://www.cumrunvafa.org/

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