new york skeptics society talk, 1 nov 08
DESCRIPTION
I discuss the difficulty of testing quantum theories of gravity empirically and the general question of verifiability in science. I also comment on how unified theories of physics can help skeptics evaluate novel claims.TRANSCRIPT
A Skeptic’s Guide to String Theory†
George Musser – 1 November 2008
† and not just string theory
1. THE PROBLEM OF UNIFICATION
The Tree of
Physics
Mercury Nov/Dec 97
2. THE ZOOM BUTTON
Powers of 10
© 1995-2008 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. Used by permission. http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/
Energy and Size in Quantum TheoryPositionMomentum
Energy and Size in Quantum Theory
Energy and Size in General Relativity
Threshold for Black Hole Formation
6 Kilometers 1 Solar Mass
1 Centimeter 1 Earth Mass
0.1 Millimeter 1 Moon Mass
Energy and Size in General Relativity
Energy and Size in Both Theories
Planck scale
The Fine Filigree of Spacetime
American Scientist Nov/Dec 91
3. IS QUANTUM GRAVITY SCIENCE?
Energy and Size in Both Theories
Planck scale
LHC
Cosmic raysAccelerator limit Known universeHuman
The Skeptic’s Dilemma
• If quantum gravity can’t be tested, is it really science?
• But if it’s not science, do we have to give up the pursuit of deeper explanation?
Moiré pattern
Photoelectric Effect
Photoelectric Effect
http://www.semiconductor-sanyo.com/images/amorton/feature/wavelength.gif
Science 299:1171 (2003)
Just because a theory isn’t (yet) falsifiable doesn’t mean it’s not scientific.
4. WHAT IT MEANS FOR SKEPTICS
• Use the unity of nature as a criterion for evaluating claims (but carefully).
• Never ascribe to design what you can ascribe to luck.
The Tree of
Physics
Mercury Nov/Dec 97
For a copy of the talk, visit www.strings.musser.com
BACKUP SLIDES
Moiré pattern
Particle Accelerators 101
www.atlas.ch/multimedia/animation_lhc_event.html; CERN-EX-0401001
www.ippp.dur.ac.uk/~georg/lhcilc/cern0702/lhclco_tricomi.pdf; iguanacms.web.cern.ch/iguanacms/gallery-page4.html
Creation of Gluinos
RAW MATERIAL
The Tree of
Physics
Mercury Nov/Dec 97
The Tree of PhysicsSi
mpl
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