String Theory and the Scientific Method

Inbunden, Engelska, 2013

AvRichard Dawid,Austria) Dawid, Richard (Universitat Wien

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String theory has played a highly influential role in theoretical physics for nearly three decades and has substantially altered our view of the elementary building principles of the Universe. However, the theory remains empirically unconfirmed, and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. So why do string theorists have such a strong belief in their theory? This book explores this question, offering a novel insight into the nature of theory assessment itself. Dawid approaches the topic from a unique position, having extensive experience in both philosophy and high-energy physics. He argues that string theory is just the most conspicuous example of a number of theories in high-energy physics where non-empirical theory assessment has an important part to play. Aimed at physicists and philosophers of science, the book does not use mathematical formalism and explains most technical terms.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2013-05-02
Mått155 x 231 x 15 mm
Vikt460 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor214
FörlagCambridge University Press
ISBN9781107029712

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Introduction; Part I. Delimiting the Unconceived: 1. String theory; 2. The conceptual framework; 3. The assessment of scientific underdetermination in string theory; Part II. A Wider Perspective: 4. The dynamics of high energy physics; 5. Scientific underdetermination in physics and beyond; Part III. Physics and Truth: 6. Final theory claims; 7. An altered perspective on scientific realism; References; Index.

'At the frontiers of physics and cosmology theoretical speculation proceeds without the constant confrontation with experiment often thought to be required for scientific validation. Richard Dawid explores this issue in the case of string theory. He offers a fascinating new perspective on non-empirical theory assessment, based on the concept of scientific underdetermination. I heartedly recommend this book to both physicists and philosophers.' David Gross, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, and Nobel Laureate in Physics, 2004