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The question says it all. Simply stated:

Can one prove grand unification from string theory? What is the argument chain of such a proof?

The textbooks I read so far only appear to give hand-waving arguments.

The question is not about deducing the standard model. The question is about deducing grand unification. This means that there is a single large Lie group.

Can one prove somehow that string theory produces a unique (large) Lie group?

User Ajay Singh
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1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

String theory strives for grand unification by suggesting that fundamental forces unify at extreme energies and small distances, but conclusive proof needs more direct evidence and remains largely theoretical.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quest for grand unification through string theory posits that all fundamental particles, including the graviton, behave as one-dimensional vibrating strings. String theory, specifically Superstring theory, aims to provide a Theory of Everything (TOE) by unifying all four fundamental forces: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear forces. The internal consistency of Superstring theory suggests that in a high-energy regime, approximately at energies above 1019 GeV or distances smaller than 10-35 meters, the forces might unify under a large Lie group. However, due to the current state of both Superstring theory and experimental capabilities, a definitive proof or derivation of grand unification under a unique large Lie group from string theory is not yet established. The elegance and potential of the theory are recognized, but the lack of directly testable predictions at these extreme scales leaves the unification proof largely theoretical. The indirect evidence and the scope of current accelerator technologies point towards the long path that remains before conclusive proof can be claimed.

User Nyks
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