Is getting to Theoretical Particle Physics still worth.?
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 11:23 pm
I don't really know what you people think of this,but here is the case:
Almost 30 years back, theoretical particle physics was at its height, which gave us the Standard model.! But if we see it now, there seems to be little progress going on(apart from the experimental side which has given the LHC). The scenario now seems to me that one can't get a PhD in Theoretical particle physics because there is not much left to be done(as put by Lee Smolin in his book-Trouble with physics). Moreover, almost everyone in that field is turning to String theory..and I hate string theory(no offense meant to the string theory lovers!). So I ask- is it still safe to take theoretical particle physics/High energy physics as a path to pursue your PhD in it..or should one turn to Theoretical Cosmology instead.??
Plz comment.. Thank you.
Almost 30 years back, theoretical particle physics was at its height, which gave us the Standard model.! But if we see it now, there seems to be little progress going on(apart from the experimental side which has given the LHC). The scenario now seems to me that one can't get a PhD in Theoretical particle physics because there is not much left to be done(as put by Lee Smolin in his book-Trouble with physics). Moreover, almost everyone in that field is turning to String theory..and I hate string theory(no offense meant to the string theory lovers!). So I ask- is it still safe to take theoretical particle physics/High energy physics as a path to pursue your PhD in it..or should one turn to Theoretical Cosmology instead.??
Plz comment.. Thank you.