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A Philosopher Looks at String Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2022

Robert Weingard
Robert Weingard*
Affiliation:
Rutgers University
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Extract

Before we, as philosophers, take a look at string theory I want to mention that more than one person has suggested to me that it is still too early for philosophical and foundational studies of string theory. Indeed, the suggestion emphasizes, since string theory is still in the process of development, and its physical and mathematical principles are not completely formulated, there is, in a sense, no theory for the philosopher to analyze. And I must admit that I think there is something to this suggestion. In a sense I hope I will make clear, there does not yet exist a precise mathematical formulation for string theory as there is Hilbert space for (elementary) quantum theory, and Riemann spacetime for general relativity. Because these latter formulations exist, we can ask precise questions, and prove precise theorems about their interpretation.

Type
Part IV. Physics
Information
PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association , Volume 1988 , Issue 2: Volume Two: Symposia and Invited Papers 1988 , 1988 , pp. 94 - 106
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 by the Philosophy of Science Association

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References

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