From: mk_thisisit
String theory is presented as the only known theory capable of unifying quantum mechanics and relativity, which is considered the greatest challenge for quantum physics today [01:00:00], [01:05:00]. It is described as a “theory of music” with “notes” that represent particles like electrons and protons, but also higher octaves that may constitute dark matter [04:16:00], [04:44:00].
Challenges of String Theory
One significant issue with string theory is that it does not offer a single, unique solution for describing our universe [01:21:00], [01:55:00]. Much like Newton’s laws of gravity, which have infinite solutions (e.g., cannonballs, rockets, planets), string theory also has an infinite number of solutions [01:26:00], [01:49:00], [01:55:00]. The fundamental question is which of these infinite solutions describes our specific universe [02:00:00]. This is currently unknown because humanity does not fully understand the Big Bang [02:11:00].
Furthermore, a major limitation of string theory is its current untestability [01:17:00], [04:00:00], [11:17:00]. It posits particles with energies far exceeding what can be produced on Earth, making experimental verification impossible with current technology [11:22:00], [11:36:00].
String Theory and the Multiverse Theory
The concept of an infinite number of solutions in string theory directly supports the multiverse theory [03:30:00]. These solutions correspond to different courses of Big Bangs [03:35:00]. The multiverse theory suggests that the universe is akin to a soap bubble, where bubbles can collide, merge, or burst into smaller bubbles, which represents how Big Bangs occur [02:47:00], [02:54:00]. This theory posits an infinite number of universes, with our universe being one such bubble that expanded from a Big Bang [03:07:00], [03:14:00].
Evidence for the existence of the multiverse remains a hypothesis, requiring concrete proof, potentially from dark matter [03:50:00], [04:06:00].
String Theory and Dark Matter
String theory is considered the only theory developed enough to explain dark matter, which constitutes the majority of matter in the universe [05:08:00], [05:11:00]. The universe is primarily composed of this “new substance” rather than atoms [04:36:00], [04:42:00]. Dark matter is hypothesized to be another “octave” of the string, with the potential for infinitely many octaves [04:44:00], [04:48:00].
String Theory and Dimensions
String theory suggests the existence of more dimensions than the three spatial dimensions we perceive [20:49:00]. If string theory is correct, there are 11 dimensions in hyperspace [21:09:00], [21:13:00]. It is stable specifically in 10 and 11 dimensions, making it the only scientific theory that inherently determines its own dimensions [21:26:00], [21:33:00], [21:37:00]. This contrasts with Newton’s laws, which can be applied in any number of dimensions [21:40:00], [21:43:00].
String theory proposes that the Big Bang occurred in 11 dimensions and that our universe is a three-dimensional bubble created after this explosion [22:08:00], [22:11:00], [22:19:00].
Search for a Grand Unification Theory
Physics aims for a grand unification theory to unite quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity [10:50:00], [10:57:00]. Historically, many brilliant scientists, including Heisenberg, Wolfgang Pauli, and Schrödinger, attempted to combine these theories but failed [11:55:00], [11:59:00]. So far, string theory is the only one that has held up as a potential candidate, although its correctness remains unconfirmed due to untestability [11:08:00], [11:14:00].
One perspective suggests that string theory offers a “unifying principle” by conceptualizing all reality, including life and the richness of the world, as originating from vibrating strings [12:38:00], [12:44:00], [14:14:00], [14:18:00].
The Quantum Universe and Stability
The stability of matter and the possibility of life, including processes like quantum photosynthesis, depend on quantum mechanics [14:24:00], [14:45:00], [15:52:00], [15:55:00]. Without quantum mechanics, atoms would not be stable, and everything, including living organisms, would disintegrate into a “mist of subatomic particles” [14:49:00], [16:09:00], [16:27:00], [17:13:00]. Newtonian physics, based on classical mechanics, is inherently unstable and cannot create a stable universe [15:21:00], [15:29:00].
Consciousness and Free Will
Quantum mechanics may also play a role in human consciousness and free will [17:53:00], [17:59:00], [19:10:00]. It provides the “uncertainty” necessary for creativity and independent thought, differentiating humans from deterministic robots [18:05:00], [18:20:00], [19:06:00]. A “digital brain” lacking quantum mechanics would equate to a robot without free will [18:55:00], [19:01:00].