String Theory and General Methodology; a Reciprocal Evaluation

TL;DR

This paper examines string theory's status and methodology, discussing its scientific validity and philosophical implications, especially regarding testability and realism debates.

Contribution

It provides a philosophical analysis of string theory's methodological and realist aspects, using it as a case study for broader scientific philosophy issues.

Findings

String theory lacks testable predictions after decades of research.

The paper highlights the philosophical debate on realism versus anti-realism in science.

It demonstrates how string theory serves as a test case for scientific methodology and realism debates.

Abstract

String theory has been the dominating research field in theoretical physics during the last decades. Despite the considerable time elapse, no new testable predictions have been derived by string theorists and it is understandable that doubts have been voiced. Some people have argued that it is time to give up since testability is wanting. But the majority has not been convinced and they continue to believe that string theory is the right way to go. This situation is interesting for philosophy of science since it highligts several of our central issues. In this paper we will discuss string theory from a number of different perspectives in general methodology. We will also relate the realism/antirealism debate to the current status of string theory. Our goal is two-fold; both to take a look at string theory from philosophical perspectives and to use string theory as a test case for some philosophical issues.