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Benjamin113
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What do thoughts do you have on M-theory? It's credibility?
Also, is there evidence that these supposed membranes exist?
Also, is there evidence that these supposed membranes exist?
M-theory is not beautiful to me for the simple reason that nobody knows what the theory actually is. We know quite well what is perturbative string theory or what is 11-dimensional supergravity, and these are beautiful to me, but we don't really know what is M-theory.Physics Monkey said:It's certainly beautiful to many people, including me.
Demystifier said:M-theory is not beautiful to me for the simple reason that nobody knows what the theory actually is. We know quite well what is perturbative string theory or what is 11-dimensional supergravity, and these are beautiful to me, but we don't really know what is M-theory.
tom.stoer said:First of all I would like to learn whether there is a definition of M-theory and how it looks like.
As far as I know there are only hints (in terms of string dualities) making it likely that M-theory exists. But to call it a theory there should be (a set of) equations plus calculational tools beyond string theory (you would not call the large-N limit of QCD an own theory but merely a calculation method only)
As far as I know the dualities in string theory have been established in certain limits only. That means that limit X of ST model A is dual to limit Y of ST model B. This is certainly impressive but M-theory shall provide something beyond these limits.
Compare it to water: you start with water, steam and ice and call X. But in order to do that you must a) calculate the phase transitions (which is something ST does) and b) identify the fundamental entity X=H2O (which I expect from M-theory but which is missing).
Are there some steps into that direction?
Unlike you, I don't like the mysterious. But that should be obvious from my name, wouldn't it?Physics Monkey said:Interesting. I think M-theory is beautiful partly because it is mysterious and unexpected.
Demystifier said:Unlike you, I don't like the mysterious. But that should be obvious from my name, wouldn't it?
The first collection of hints is exactly what I mean; they are just hints (not more, not less). I have to admit that I do not know anything regarding this 3-algebra stuff.Physics Monkey said:There are the dualities you mentioned ... the unification of objects in IIA on a circle ... low energy limit, 11 dimensional supergravity ... matrix model approach coming from D0 branes ... holographic duality - world-volume physics of M2 branes ... 3-algebras business.
We don't have an overall picture, but many corners of the theory are quite well formulated. ... And we have some hints about possible interpretations of the microscopic degrees of freedom i.e. matrices, etc.
Certainly not under the present name.atyy said:But would you exist if there were nothing mysterious?
Demystifier said:Certainly not under the present name.
tom.stoer said:Cogito ergo M
M-Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to unify the five different versions of string theory. It proposes that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not particles, but rather one-dimensional strings that vibrate at different frequencies. These strings exist in a higher-dimensional space, known as the "bulk", which contains 11 dimensions.
M-Theory is still a highly debated and speculative theory in the scientific community. While it is an elegant and promising attempt at unifying various theories, it has not yet been confirmed by empirical evidence. Therefore, its credibility is still a subject of ongoing research and discussion.
Currently, there is no direct experimental evidence for M-Theory. However, there are some mathematical and theoretical arguments that suggest its plausibility. One of the main pieces of evidence is that M-Theory is able to reconcile some of the inconsistencies and limitations of other theories, such as general relativity and quantum mechanics.
M-Theory is a more comprehensive and inclusive theory compared to other theories such as general relativity and quantum mechanics. It incorporates elements from string theory, supergravity, and other theories to provide a more complete understanding of the universe. It also proposes that there are multiple universes, or "branes", which exist in the bulk along with our own.
Currently, M-Theory is not testable with current technology. However, scientists are continuously working on ways to test its predictions and implications. Some proposed experiments involve searching for evidence of higher dimensions or attempting to create tiny black holes, which are predicted by M-Theory. Until these experiments are conducted, the testability of M-Theory remains uncertain.