A critical look at strings

TL;DR

This paper critically examines string theory from an outsider's perspective, comparing its foundations, methods, and expectations with those of other scientific fields to assess its scientific validity and future prospects.

Contribution

It provides an outsider's critical analysis of string theory's foundational assumptions, methodology, and scientific status, highlighting differences with established scientific practices.

Findings

String theory faces challenges in empirical validation.

Theoretical assumptions in string theory differ from conventional scientific methods.

The paper suggests a need for clearer scientific criteria for string theory's progress.

Abstract

This is an invited contribution to the Special Issue of "Foundations of Physics" titled "Forty Years Of String Theory: Reflecting On the Foundations". I have been asked to assess string theory as an outsider, and to compare it with the theory, methods, and expectations in my own field.