Poll: Do you believe in String Theory?

[Aqualung]

For anyone who doesn't know of, or have trouble visualizing string theory, I'd recommend this video: http://www.ted.com/talks/brian_greene_on_string_theory.html

What do you think? Do you believe in many alternate dimensions, like our universe is one big onion of similar universes? Does each microscopic action create a new dimension? Could dinosaurs be walking right by you in an invisible alternate Earth?

What are your views?

(Poll included for general census.)

 

[JohnSmith]

As xkcd said: So I have this great theory, where everything would be represented with vibrating strings
Ok so what would that imply
I don't know...

String theory doesn't actually help because it isn't a testable hypothesis...

Please feel free not to flame if my physics is out of date.

Also you don't "believe" in science. EVER.

 

[Motti]

I believe in it, mostly because it's nice to think that somewhere there's a version of me that is far worse off. Makes me stop complaining for a while and think of the possibilities.

 

[ReincarnatedFTP]

Makes me stop complaining for a while and think of the possibilities.

Like the version of you that has life 1000 times better?

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

Sure, anything is possibly really when you get into theoretical physics. Although its a little difficult to conceive on our minds things that done apply to our established physics. Its fun to think about these things none the less....

I mean, no our intelligent designer doesnt like that...

Too late! It already knows! Run for it!

Joking aside, there's no real reason to think that it isn't true.

 

[thiosk]

Einstien looked for beauty in mathematics. String theory is beautiful, to be sure. My problem with string theory is the convenient fact that you need unattainable amounts of energy to test its predictions. So belief is all we have.

I do find the "hey i can answer the greatest questions in physics, as long as we assume 84 dimensions" a little annoying, however.

A lot needs to be tested experimentally before we can even consider it the end all be all.

I'd rather devote my energy into hoping for the higgs boson.

 

[Captain_Caveman]

I believe in M-Theory

String Theory can include M-Theory. But M-Theory is the more accurate theory.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_to_M-theory

also. i believe time does not exist, it is just a manifestation of perception.

also, i believe there is a 'god' that is interdimensional & residing in all things.
yes that implies i believe in parallel dimensions.

 

[Naheal]

It's possible theoretically, but beyond that, I haven't a clue

 

[Zyxzy]

Well I haven't heard a counterargument...

 

[DerpyDerpyDerp]

From my limited understanding, it seems to be moving along in the right direction, it is just hard to get a real grip on it with so many currently untestable ideas behind it.

Also, read Brian Greene's books, they are quite wonderfully written.

 

[DoW Lowen]

Well I haven't heard a counterargument...

I don't think anyone could really disprove it. I'm pretty sure no one here is certified enough.

 

[Motti]

Makes me stop complaining for a while and think of the possibilities.

Like the version of you that has life 1000 times better?

No, the version of me that has life 1000 times worse, that's what's comforting. The version that's 1000 times better . . . not so much.

 

[UAProxy]

I believe it wholeheartedly and devoutly oppose the thought at the same time.

Think about it for a bit. You'll figure it out.

 

[ReincarnatedFTP]

I believe it wholeheartedly and devoutly oppose the thought at the same time.

Think about it for a bit. You'll figure it out.

I see what you did there.
But in another dimension I posted a LOLWUT picture.

 

[thiosk]

It's not a matter of belief. It's a scientific theory. If you are a theoretical physicist with enough knowledge and fresh data to have an opinion on this subject you may think it's probable or not, but I (and vast majority of you) can't argue about it.

You are right in a general sense, but your statement is not perfect. Belief is a strong word, full of controversial allusions. String theory is quite convenient in that it is essentially untestable. When experimental physics manages to actually test the predictions of string theory, well, that will be nice. But brian greene wrote about the size of a particle accelerator he would need to reach energies to test the predictions-- it was measured in the scale of our solar system.

I prefer the term "subscribes." I subscribe to string theory, mostly because I don't subscribe to some of the even weirder crap that circulates out there. But subscribing to a theory doesn't bring up the demons associated with belief.

 

[Kenjitsuka]

Makes me stop complaining for a while and think of the possibilities.

Like the version of you that has life 1000 times better?

Heheh, you beat me to that
Are you sure there are ones that are worse off than you? ;-)

OT: I think it's correct, as far as I've read into it.
It was a while (say 5 years) that I did, so I guess I should update my knowledge about it.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

if it's proven then yes, other than that it's definitely plausible until we know it's just a theory.

then again the question is WHICH string theory are you referring to as well. there's several versions of it

 

[Ayrav]

There isn't anything to 'believe' in science, it either is or it isn't. Science is supported by data and which is acquired though experimentation; even the math that is used to explore this theory isn't speculation its hard data that predicts how nature functions. For instances, you don't 'believe' in the forces of gravity you either accept it or regret it. If you reject it then you're in a sense rejecting reality.

 

[SmartIdiot]

I think it's a fascinating theory and I love reading about it. It would be awesome if it was one day proven and I really hope that will be the case. However the cynic in me (which I'm trying to kill) says it's kinda getting blown out of proportion and in the end all we can expect is disappointment.