String Theory and the Scientific Method

This book explains why string theorists develop a strong belief in their theory despite the lack of empirical confirmation.

Richard Dawid (Author)

9781107029712, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 2 May 2013

214 pages, 5 b/w illus.
23.1 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.46 kg

'The book offers a rather difficult reading, being directed especially to philosophers of science. It is dense and well argued, and I would rank it together with the great classics of philosophy of science.' Osvaldo Pessoa, Jr, Science & Education

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], Philosophy of science [PDA], Science: general issues [PD], Mathematics & science [P]