Klarinet Archive - Posting 001087.txt from 2004/03

From: "Dallas SCUBA" <forest_aten@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] OT: String Theory, etc... (RE: [kl] Pitch perception)
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 14:44:14 -0500


> << His examples explaining String Theory were loaded with musical
metaphor.
> >>
>
> It's important to be aware that scientists often use metaphorical images
to
> construct theories and communicate ideas, but that doesn't mean those
> theories have direct relevance to the original inspiration.
>
> For example, a colleague of mine did some marvellous work which involved
> what became known as the "sandpile model", because the mental image used
was
> of sand being sprinkled in a pile. But actually while the model is
> beautiful and relevant to a great many things, it's *not* relevant to real
> sand!
>
> Regarding string theory, my understanding is that it is a very beautiful
> theory but that there is very little that we can do at the present moment
to
> confirm it experimentally. What's attractive about it is that it provides
a
> mathematical/theoretical framework which resolves some of the presumed
> contradictions between existing theories (quantum theory and relativity)
> which we have been able to confirm experimentally.
>
> True or not, I am not sure that it has much relevance on the level of our
> everyday perception, including music!-)
>
> -- Joe
>
>
Joe,

I'm well aware of your observations. It was interesting that these
scientists (on the NPR program) were searching for the answers to the
question of "other dimensions" using their "imagination". I guess you have
to start somewhere.

Regards,

Forest

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