Not Even Wrong: The Failure of String Theory and the Search for Unity in Physical Law

Science News,  Oct 7, 2006  

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NOT EVEN WRONG: The Failure of String Theory and the Search for Unity in Physical Law

PETER WOIT

String theory has become the most popular area of pursuit among theoretical physicists seeking a unified theory of elementary particles. Despite this, string theory lacks the most fundamental aspects of a scientific theory: It cannot be tested, and there is as of yet no experimental evidence of the existence of its superstrings. Woit, a lecturer in mathematics at Columbia University, explains how theorists developed string theory, which addresses some of the shortcomings of the standard model of physics, he says.

According to Woit, that early success has unfortunately culminated in a new era of failure within theoretical physics. He details why he considers string theory not to really be a theory, but simply a hunch that has been perpetuated by leaders in the physics community who refuse to acknowledge its failure. Basic, 2006, 291 p., hardcover, $26.95.

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