Quote:
Originally Posted by xelasnave
I would like a push model please.
I enjoyed this thread very much as I get a slight insite into the wonderful world of math folk.
I find it strange that "string theory" can be called a theory because there is no evidence as far as I know via observation or experiment ... it is an idea or a hypothisis I would think..given that is the reality I find it extrodinary it seems to be held up as somesort of major step forward... it ceratinly has its place and stuff may flow but the elevation to the class of theory seems inappropriate.
I dont know enough about conventions whatever surrounding theory but it seems string theory is string idea to be fair.
alex
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Hello Alex,
You need to make a distinction between what constitutes proof in mathematics and what constitutes proof in science.
In mathematics, number and geometry can exist independently of the real world. For example, I can count 1, 2, 3, ... without actually counting out physical objects. I can create different geometries apart from the everyday Euclidean geometry we are familiar with. The establishment of a theorem in mathematics runs something like this: I observe a pattern or relationship and formulate a conjecture. Using existing self-evident axioms, I derive a step by step proof which shows my conjecture to be true. The conjecture becomes a theorem. This theorem is watertight and timeless i.e. does not depend on any future observations of our environment.
In science, the process is analogous but not final. I observe a pattern or relationship in nature, perform measurements and then formulate an hypothesis. Over time, if further observations support the hypothesis, it may then become a theory. At any stage, a mathematical model may be produced to represent the hypothesis or theory. If the model itself makes predictions that can be observed to be true, it gives further credence to the validity of the hypothesis or theory. If, however, one observation does not support the theory it can then become invalid. Attempts may be made to modify the model to make the theory become palatable again. Thus, a scientific theory is not timeless. It is dependent on observations in the real world and may be proved false at any time. For example, in the Big Bang theory, inflation was invoked to explain the isotropic homogeneous nature of the Universe. Dark matter was proposed to explain anomalies in the speed of stars in the outer part of galaxies. Dark energy was created to explain accelerated expansion. Thus, our model or theory is rather kinetic and changes with differing observations.
String theory, with its roots in physics, has evolved primarily as a logically consistent mathematical model or set of models in an attempt to explain our Universe. In its support, one of these models represents the standard model of particle physics. String theory is the first attempt at the theory of everything, linking all known forces. It is hard to know where the pure mathematical consistency merges with physical reality. The theory's flexibility is also its weakness- which model (or models) represents the real Universe? A major criticism is that experimental confirmation of its predictions are not practicable (at least not yet). But like all theories, it depends on continued support from new observations.
Regards, Rob