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tieth century, the quantum theory and the theory of relativity, have
created new modes of perception and have led to new technologies
that pervade science and society . Yet these two developments are as
yet irreconcilable.
Quantum mechanics and relativity have each been very suc–
cessful within their own realms of validity . However, there are fun–
damental conflicts when both are needed to explain phenomena, as
in the physics of the beginning of the universe. In recent years, much
of theoretical physics research has been concentrated around a new
idea, called string theory , that could bring about a synthesis of these
two theories . The synthesis proposed by string theory is also typical
of scientific revolutions in that it shows the older theories to be not
incorrect , but rather to be approximations to a deeper, more com–
plete theory.
Given the great consequences, both constructive and destruc–
tive, of quantum mechanics and relativity, such as transistors,
nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, it is interesting to imagine
what the synthesis of these ideas portends. In terms of physics
research, the theory ' s advocates believe that this new idea will lead
to the long sought-for unified theory of all interactions in nature.
The research proceeds with a faith that esthetics, simplicity and
uniqueness will lead to a deeper theory that will resolve the logical
and observational conflicts. The search may have led us today to a
new scientific revolution , in the tradition of those launched by
Newton ' s
Principia,
Einstein's theory of relativity, and the
Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. Almost
everyone in the field is convinced that something remarkable is tak–
ing place, but exactly what it is is unscientifically imprecise. In par–
ticular, if the revolution is to be compared to that launched by
Newton, the
Principia
has probably not yet been written and the
ef–
fort will be more collective, as well as more challenging.
Unlike the previous revolutionary ideas, which had solid
testable consequences, string theory , as yet, has no such conse–
quences.
It
is, simply, the only theory we know that could be accep–
table mathematically and esthetically .
It
may, therefore, be a form
of mathematical metaphysics. We may remember that scientific in–
vestigation can develop out of questions asked first within the course
of philosophical, or metaphysical speculation. The relation of
psychological investigation to the classical empiricism of Berkeley,
Hume, and Locke comes to mind. Within this framework, current
research in string theory might just be a transitional phase .
