Wednesday, June 27, 2012

1112.0788 (M. J. Duff)

String and M-theory: answering the critics    [PDF]

M. J. Duff
Using as a springboard a three-way debate between theoretical physicist Lee Smolin, philosopher of science Nancy Cartwright and myself, I address in layman's terms the issues of why we need a unified theory of the fundamental interactions and why, in my opinion, string and M-theory currently offer the best hope. The focus will be on responding more generally to the various criticisms. I also describe the diverse application of string/M-theory techniques to other branches of physics and mathematics which render the whole enterprise worthwhile whether or not "a theory of everything" is forthcoming.
View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1112.0788

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