String Theory - notes and thoughts?

[Beej]

This is most certainly one of those times in which the more we learn about a subject, the more we realize how little we actually know. I have been reading and learning about string theory and I'm starting to think I either have the wrong understanding, or I'm just starting to bog down in my comprehension. In either case, I was hoping someone on here might be able to share some thoughts from their own research or understanding that might jump start me back on track.

So, if you are explaining this to someone who has never heard of it before, what is string theory in a nutshell?
What do you think about it as an explanation of physics, etc?
What are your thoughts on the subject?

Anyone? :dunno:

[Captain Ron]

Don't sweat it.

Light is particles smarter than we are. :D

--ron

[RichP]

It is not going to help you loose weight if thats what you're getting at...

[5-90]

Hell man - I'm still working on Quantum Mechanics...

"Quantum Theory - the dreams that stuff is made of."

5-90

[Ironmen77]

Does anyone know about string theory? I'm a frayed knot.

[XJ Dreamin']

In a nutshell, strings are packets of energy. You may be getting bogged down in the multitude of string types, or characteristics. In practical terms, strings expressing specific characteristics are used by theroretical physists as variables in complex equations intended to model the universe. As I see it, most discussions revolve around debates over what string characteristics are allowed. The equations are symbolic on a high level and severely abstract. It is possible to think up string characteristics to make your model do whatever you desire. In order to support your model you then have to show that the string characteristics you propose actually exist, without being able to actually detect them.

If you're reading technical papers by actual string theorists, forget it. You'll never understand what they're saying. You have to get them a little drunk before it starts to make sense. Or maybe you need to be a little drunk....either way...

The only practical boon from string theory that I've seen is the ability to jump between parallel universes. I think I did that a couple of times in college. It was fun!

[99xjache]

I heard that your not supposed to pull them. You might not like whats on the other end. :shocked:

[5-90]

I heard that your not supposed to pull them. You might not like whats on the other end. :shocked:

Yeah - most cosmic strings are little more than web threads from a Very Large Spider...

5-90

[ssjkakkarotx]

Read the Elegant Universe by Brian Greene. He lays out super string and symetry in a very straighforward manner. I recommend it to any one interest in String theory

[red91]

I thought this wa a thread about playing with cats....sorry.

[XJ Un-Limited]

At least this isn't about tampons :puke:

[RedFive]

http://www.ctgilles.net/images/pictars/awesomethread.jpg

[Geepfreak]

I have read some about the String theory, and caught some of it on the Discovery Channel, all I can say is, thank the universe for coming up with a better explaination than the Big Bang, and the "cough cough" religious view of life..

:D

[Beej]

http://www.ctgilles.net/images/pictars/awesomethread.jpg Don't bother posting pictures of your offroading club, you can't win...