Peter Woit, a mathematical physicist and critic of string theory, joins Joseph Conlon, a theoretical physicist and string theory advocate, for a captivating discussion. They dissect the strengths and weaknesses of string theory as a potential unifier of physical laws. The conversation highlights the complexities of the Standard Model, challenges in empirical validation, and the sociological landscape of modern physics. They also address issues faced by young researchers and the evolving education around theoretical concepts, all while balancing humor with serious debate.

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: – The Prisoner Wine Company: https://theprisonerwine.com/lex to get 20% off & free shipping – Linode: https://linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit – Sunbasket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off – BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off – SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX to get a free security camera EPISODE LINKS: Peter’s website: http://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/ Peter’s blog: https://bit.ly/3xCwm9F Not Even Wrong (book): https://amzn.to/3peDzZs Quantum Theory, Groups, and Representations (book): https://amzn.to/316iAjf Love and Math (book): https://amzn.to/3If7B8m The Second Creation (book): https://amzn.to/3rlWzIu PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: – Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast – Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman – Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman – Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman 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

Peter Woit, a theoretical physicist and mathematician from Columbia University, shares fascinating insights on unification in physics. He critiques string theory and discusses alternative approaches, emphasizing the necessity of revisiting fundamental concepts. The conversation dives into the challenges of integrating quantum field theory with general relativity and explores the implications of emerging ideas like Grand Unified Theories. Woit also reflects on the complexities of communication in the scientific community, sharing personal anecdotes about the evolution of his thoughts on theoretical physics.

Peter Woit, a senior lecturer at Columbia University and vocal critic of string theory, dives deep into the intricate world of theoretical physics. He discusses the standard model of particle physics, its shortcomings, and the allure of grand unified theories. Woit challenges the validity of string theory, emphasizing its empirical failures while highlighting other pivotal figures like Edward Witten. Their conversation also tackles the historical tension between mathematics and physics, and the ongoing crisis in the field, including funding issues and the risk of intellectual stagnation.

Peter Woit, Prof. Peter Woit discusses string theory's decline, the motivation behind using twistors in physics, dominance of string theory and Ed Witten's influence, machine learning meets theoretical physics, personal attacks vs. intellectual debate, mathematicians vs. physicists, developing a contrarian view, spacetime is not doomed, graviweak unification and chirality, category theory in physics, and defining a fulfilling life.