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'''String theory''', (or super-string theory when coupled with [[Supersymmetry]]), is a class of models in [[theoretical physics]] which replace zero-dimensional points (particles) in four-dimensional spacetime with one-dimensional strings in an eleven-dimensional spacetime as the fundamental building block of the universe.  The elusive goal is to develop a set of equations that unify all known natural forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, weak, and strong), according to some preconceived philosophical beliefs about how they ought to be unified.  Leading proponents of string theory have been Edward Witten of the [[Institute for Advanced Study]], and the renowned author of ''The Elegant Universe'', Brian Greene.

'''String theory''', (or super-string theory when coupled with [[Supersymmetry]]), is a class of models in [[theoretical physics]] which replace zero-dimensional points (particles) in four-dimensional spacetime with one-dimensional strings in an eleven-dimensional spacetime as the fundamental building block of the universe.  The elusive goal is to develop a set of equations that unify all known natural forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, weak, and strong), according to some preconceived philosophical beliefs about how they ought to be unified.  Leading proponents of string theory have been Edward Witten of the [[Institute for Advanced Study]] and [[Brian Greene]], the renowned author of ''The Elegant Universe''.

There is much debate on whether string theory is truly scientific. Under the [[positivist]] philosophy, models must be falsifiable (i.e. it must be possible to define an experiment which could contradict the theory) for them to qualify as science, and then they must survive these tests. In more general terms, a model is not scientific unless we can use it to make predictions about the world we observe, and it is consistent with those predictions. String theory has yet to yield a particular definitive test, or to produce any models that resemble any known particles or forces.

There is much debate on whether string theory is truly scientific. Under the [[positivist]] philosophy, models must be falsifiable (i.e. it must be possible to define an experiment which could contradict the theory) for them to qualify as science, and then they must survive these tests. In more general terms, a model is not scientific unless we can use it to make predictions about the world we observe, and it is consistent with those predictions. String theory has yet to yield a particular definitive test, or to produce any models that resemble any known particles or forces.