English

Why trust a theory? Some further remarks (part 1)

High Energy Physics - Theory 2016-01-28 v2 General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology History and Philosophy of Physics

Abstract

I expand on some ideas from my recent review "String theory to the rescue," I discuss my use of Bayesian reasoning. I argue that it can be useful but that it is very far from the central point of the discussion. I then review my own personal history with the multiverse. Finally I respond to some of the criticisms of Ellis and Silk, which initiated this interesting discussion.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1601.06145,
  title  = {Why trust a theory? Some further remarks (part 1)},
  author = {Joseph Polchinski},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1601.06145},
  year   = {2016}
}

Comments

v2: Part of v1 omitted from arXiv publication. Full discussion appears on personal website