Preparation for Feb 6

Hi everybody,

Next week we will have a fun group discussion about the testability of string theory. To help get ready for our conversation, please

1. think over your own opinions on testability of string theory and your reasons for holding them;
2. look up Greene’s textbook to see what he says about testability of string theory;
3. track down any examples you have noticed so far of other well-known physicists criticizing the testability of string theory (for example on the NOVA video, online, or wherever). Recent views are more useful than older ones.  The juicier the better!

I am especially interested to hear how your views on the testability of string theory have changed during the sixteen weeks we have spent learning physics together so far. It will be directly helpful to my future teaching to hear your feedback: next year while I am on sabbatical in 2013-14 I am planning to write up my PMU199Y notes into an online book. My department will let me teach the course one more time in 2014-15.

It is worth noting that next week is also your last opportunity to ask me technical questions about modern physics. After that, we will shift more into the “Perspective” part of  the course title “Modern Physics in Perspective”. I am ready for any technical question you might have, so bring whatever you want to ask.

My aim for next week is to have a fun, rowdy, and informative discussion together. It will be so much more enjoyable if everyone brings an opinion to the table. So I want to warn you now: I will be calling on everyone in the class to speak. Like with picking oral presentation topics, it’s strategically smart to get in early.

All opinions will be welcome, regardless of how sophisticated they may be.  I will be in the hot seat. It will be up to me to show you the holes in the arguments of those who claim that string theory is not science. This will nicely segue into our discussion starting in Week 18 (sixth week of this semester) of how to tell real science apart from bullshit. Please consult the course syllabus for details.

Looking forward to it!

Cheers,
Prof. P.