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Debate Info

8
5
Yes NO
Debate Score:13
Arguments:8
Total Votes:15
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (4)
 
 NO (4)

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shunted(139) pic



Is String Theory part of science?

Not falsifiable = not science

Yes

Side Score: 8
VS.

NO

Side Score: 5

(Super) String Theory has some reason behind it: it has mathematical support and theoretical implications that would solve many problems. That is why it is called "theoretical physics".

And it is technically falsifiable. We just don't have the equipment to test it yet. No one claims to "believe" in string theory, or that because it reconciles some problems in physics and is perhaps predicted by mathematical formulas it is reality. You are attacking a straw man. Competent Physicists only say that it is a possibility and that we should test for it. (we are fairly sure that the Higgs exists because of mathematical prediction, and we were right too when it came to the other boson particles)

Side: Yes
2 points

There may be some tangible evidence soon enough.

Only 40 days to go according to this site: http://www.lhcountdown.com/

Side: Yes
1 point

Any theory is a step in science. Science is a process whereby you seek to disprove theories. If the theory cannot be disproven, then it stands. If it cannot be tested, then it cannot be disproven and cannot stand. Either way, a theory it remains.

Side: yes
0 points

It is not falsifiable so therefore it isn't a science. From what I can tell, people believe String Theory on faith. There is no evidence that it is right. Creating a mathematical theory that unites relativity and quantum mechanics does not make it reality.

Side: NO
1 point

It is technically falsifiable. We just don't have the equipment to test it yet. No one claims to "believe" in string theory, or that because it reconciles some problems in physics and is perhaps predicted by mathematical formulas it is reality. You are attacking a straw man. Competent Physicists only say that it is a possibility and that we should test for it. (we are fairly sure that the Higgs exists because of mathematical prediction, and we were right too when it came to the other boson particles)

Side: Yes
shunted(139) Disputed
1 point

There are people who do claim to 'believe' in it. Of course it is a possibility but so is the existence of God. I am not a physicist (I'm a mathematician) and so I realize my understanding of the field is quite limited. However, it is my, potentially false, impression that there are no reasons to believe that it is correct except for reasons of mathematical convenience. There isn't any physical evidence that would lead one to even guess that it might be true. There is only the mathematics. My understanding is that the theory makes only postdictions not predictions.

Supporting Evidence: Not even wrong blog (www.math.columbia.edu)
Side: NO