What proof is there that the universe is discrete and what proof is there that the universe is continuous?
You can never know if the universe is discrete for certain since even if it appears so there may still be some undetectable phenomena you are unaware of.
You can never find evidence to suggest the universe is continuous as there can never be a scientific instrument capable of infinite accuracy.
#16, even theoretical physics operates by the scientific method, which requires that when a theory is constructed, it must be testable. If theoretical physicists sit around all the time and get involved in stuff that CAN'T be validated from experiments, then there's literally no difference between their work and fantasy fiction.
As I implied before, physics has almost literally gone off the rails and is currently crashing like detached train cars are known to do. Disconnected from the need to validate theories with experiments, physics is becoming less and less useful. We shouldn't be spending money on that kind of crap. Fire all those geezers and tell them they only get paid for results that can be verified by experiments.
#18, string theory can't be valid since it cannot be validated by experiment. Any other sentiment is NOT science, cannot be "plonked", and has no place in scientific institutions. The trouble here is that there is an academic class that is dominating our scientific institutions, which is tainted with this non-experimentation tolerance. As the years pass, their work becomes less and less useful to anyone but themselves. They are only achieving a "PhD Jobs Program". It's essentially a WELFARE SYSTEM for bookworms.
Well, like any rational person I'm against welfare for the rich and/or the capable. Those string theorists sound like some pretty smart guys. Fire them all and I'm sure with their great intelligence they'll find something useful to do.