"Here are some of the most significant criticisms levied against string theory (or the string theorists who practice it):
- String theory is unable to make any useful prediction about how the physical world behaves, so it can’t be falsified or verified.
- String theory is so vaguely defined and lacking in basic physical principles that any idea can be incorporated into it.
- String theorists put too much weight on the opinions of leaders and authorities within their own ranks, as opposed to seeking experimental verification.
- String theorists present their work in ways that falsely demonstrate that they’ve achieved more success than they actually have. (This isn’t necessarily an accusation of lying, but may be a fundamental flaw in how success is measured by string theorists and the scientific community at large.)
- String theory gets more funding and academic support than other theoretical approaches (in large part because of the aforementioned reported progress).
- String theory doesn’t describe our universe, but contradicts known facts of physical reality in a number of ways, requiring elaborate hypothetical constructions that have never been successfully demonstrated.
