What is the Historical Development of String Theory?

In summary, the development of string theory, particularly the concept of higher dimensions of space, can be traced back to the work of physicist Theodor Kaluza and mathematician Oskar Klein in the early 20th century. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the theory gained significant attention and development, with contributions from various physicists including Gabriele Veneziano and John Schwarz. The book "The Elegant Universe" and its accompanying program by PBS provide a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of string theory. For a more academic perspective, you can refer to scholarly articles and books on the topic.
  • #1
somy
137
0
I just wanted to know about the history of the string theory development.
I mean the klein's (or someone else!) interpretation about the charge that resulted in assumption of higher order dimentions of space.
I just wanted to know the historical story of it.
Any link will be usefull.
Thanks a lot.
Somy :smile:
 
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  • #2
Hi,

Check out http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html

Its a program made based on the book 'The elegant universe'. The second half of the second program (there are three programs in total) and the third one give a quick run through how the theory evolved.

PS
 
  • #3
Thanks primal schemer,
But something more academic!
 

FAQ: What is the Historical Development of String Theory?

What is string theory?

String theory is a theoretical framework that seeks to unify the four fundamental forces of nature (gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force) into one coherent theory. It proposes that all particles in the universe are made up of tiny, vibrating strings rather than being point-like particles.

When was string theory first proposed?

String theory was first proposed in the late 1960s by physicists Gabriele Veneziano and Leonard Susskind as a way to explain the behavior of subatomic particles. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that string theory gained widespread attention and became a popular area of research.

What is the connection between string theory and quantum mechanics?

String theory is often seen as a potential solution to the long-standing conflict between quantum mechanics (the study of particles on a very small scale) and general relativity (the study of gravity on a large scale). It incorporates principles of both theories and provides a framework for understanding their relationship.

Has string theory been proven?

No, string theory has not been proven. It is a highly complex and abstract theory that has yet to be confirmed by experimental evidence. However, it has provided valuable insights and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe.

What challenges does string theory face?

One of the main challenges facing string theory is the lack of experimental evidence to support its claims. It also faces criticism for being a highly mathematical and abstract theory with no clear way to test its predictions. Additionally, there are many different versions and interpretations of string theory, making it difficult to determine which, if any, is the correct one.

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