In theoretical physics, M-theory is a new limit of string theory in which 11 dimensions of spacetime may be identified. Because the dimensionality exceeds the dimensionality of five superstring theories in 10 dimensions, it is believed that the 11-dimensional theory is more fundamental and unifies all string theories (and supersedes them). Though a full description of the theory is not yet known, the low-entropy dynamics are known to be supergravity interacting with 2- and 5-dimensional membranes.
This idea is the unique supersymmetric theory in eleven dimensions, with its low-entropy matter content and interactions fully determined, and can be obtained as the strong coupling limit of type IIA string theory because a new dimension of space emerges as the coupling constant increases.
Fantastic Abbot! I knew you'd be a "contributor" right away. Love the footie connection to the eleven dimensions. This would have been a nice addition to the footie novel I once tried to write. Though that story was anchored more to game theory than string theory. Last weekend when I played footie with those UofT alumns I got to talking with one of the boys - now an MIT physicist - who is working on a soccer book, tentatively entitled: The Beautiful Game: The Science of Soccer. I intend to speak to him more about this - though I fear the book will be predictable, ie: he will actually looking for a scientific basis for soccer performance. My own belief is that sport is art. In fact I believe that science is secondary to art both in soccer and in life. As you might imagine - now that I am an IJ evangelist (following your fine example) I asked the physicist if he had read Infinite Jest. He looked puzzled. I suggested he might want to do that before he writes his book.
ReplyDeleteThe MIT physicist should also read David Winner's book (you lent me that, yes, Vivant?). And definitely read DFW's essays on tennis, if he hasn't got the sack to tackle IJ.
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