|
I think that even though String Theory may not have started out with the goal of unification, (which it is now recognised as providing), the lesson here may be one of how to go about unification in theoretical physics.
QM also seems to have unified other problem parts of classical physics like the gaps between particles and fields, and a favourite of mine: deterministic and random behaviours (which doesn't appear to have been really happening prior to its conception).
The problem seems to be that it was seen as a competing idea. Nowadays, the driving 'trend' is towards unification (of just about everything) and String Theory is more 'acceptable', and is hence met with more open arms.
I guess it could also be said that QM came about because experimental/observational science got way ahead of theory, too?
Interestingly though, String Theory seems to be around the other way!
Cheers
|