A Philosopher Looks at String Theory

PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association 1988:95 - 106 (1988)
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Abstract

In this paper I first describe some simple, but interesting string theory. Then I discuss string field theory and suggest that even though we do not have a complete mathematical formulation, we can get an idea of some of its ontological implications. Next, the significance of supersymmetry and superspace in string theory is briefly considered. Lastly, I consider the question of whether there is, in fact, (good) reason to think string theory may (or will) emerge to replace quantum field theory.

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Citations of this work

A philosopher looks at string dualities.Dean Rickles - 2011 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 42 (1):54-67.
A new spin on the hole argument.Dean Rickles - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 36 (3):415-434.
Spacetime in String Theory: A Conceptual Clarification.Keizo Matsubara & Lars-Göran Johansson - 2018 - Journal for General Philosophy of Science / Zeitschrift für Allgemeine Wissenschaftstheorie 49 (3):333-353.
Interpreting Supersymmetry.David John Baker - 2020 - Erkenntnis 87 (5):2375-2396.

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