Not Even Wrong
The Failure of String Theory and the Search for Unity in Physical Law for Unity in Physical Law
By Peter Woit | Publisher: Basic Books
About the book
At what point does theory depart the realm of testable hypothesis and come to resemble something like aesthetic speculation, or even theology? The legendary physicist Wolfgang Pauli had a phrase for such ideas: He would describe them as \"not even wrong,\" meaning that they were so incomplete that they could not even be used to make predictions to compare with observations to see whether they were wrong or not. In Peter Woit's view, superstring theory is just such an idea. In Not Even Wrong , he shows that what many physicists call superstring \"theory\" is not a theory at all. It makes no predictions, even wrong ones, and this very lack of falsifiability is what has allowed the subject to survive and flourish. Not Even Wrong explains why the mathematical conditions for progress in physics are entirely absent from superstring theory today and shows that judgments about scientific statements, which should be based on the logical consistency of argument and experimental evidence, are instead based on the eminence of those claiming to know the truth. In the face of many books from enthusiasts for string theory, this book presents the other side of the story.
Editions of Not Even Wrong
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780465092758
- EBook
- ISBN 9780465003631
Read an Excerpt
At what point does theory depart the realm of testable hypothesis and come to resemble something like aesthetic speculation, or even theology? The legendary physicist Wolfgang Pauli had a phrase for such ideas: He would describe them as \"not even wrong,\" meaning that they were so incomplete that they could not even be used to make predictions to compare with observations to see whether they were wrong or not. In Peter Woit's view, superstring theory is just such an idea. In Not Even Wrong , he shows that what many physicists call superstring \"theory\" is not a theory at all. It makes no predictions, even wrong ones, and this very lack of falsifiability is what has allowed the subject to survive and flourish. Not Even Wrong explains why the mathematical conditions for progress in physics are entirely absent from superstring theory today and shows that judgments about scientific statements, which should be based on the logical consistency of argument and experimental evidence, are instead based on the eminence of those claiming to know the truth. In the face of many books from enthusiasts for string theory, this book presents the other side of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Not Even Wrong about?
At what point does theory depart the realm of testable hypothesis and come to resemble something like aesthetic speculation, or even theology? The legendary physicist Wolfgang Pauli had a phrase for such ideas: He would describe them as \"not even wrong,\" meaning that they were so incomplete that they could not even be used to make predictions to compare with observations to see whether they were wrong or not. In Peter Woit's view, superstring theory is just such an idea. In Not Even Wrong , he shows that what many physicists call superstring \"theory\" is not a theory at all. It makes no predictions, even wrong ones, and this very lack of falsifiability is what has allowed the subject to survive and flourish. Not Even Wrong explains why the mathematical conditions for progress in physics are entirely absent from superstring theory today and shows that judgments about scientific statements, which should be based on the logical consistency of argument and experimental evidence, are instead based on the eminence of those claiming to know the truth. In the face of many books from enthusiasts for string theory, this book presents the other side of the story.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Not Even Wrong?
Mathematics and Science > Science: general issues
Where can I read a sample of Not Even Wrong?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780465092758
How long is Not Even Wrong and how many pages does it have?
Not Even Wrong has 320 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Not Even Wrong?
Peter Woit
Who is the Publisher of the book Not Even Wrong?
Basic Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Not Even Wrong is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780465092758) and ebook(ISBN 9780465003631)
Where can I buy Not Even Wrong online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Not Even Wrong from below
Where can I buy Not Even Wrong?