This division of physics into "How" and "Why" questions is one good way to describe the difference between experiment and theory. Both questions are very important, and we can't make much progress on either one without the help of the other.
Of course, language is always a bit ambiguous. The ultimate "why" questions are the realm of philosophy and theology, not of science. And "how" questions extend all the way to the realm of engineering ("How can I make this work?"). But I think my meaning is clear.
This talk is concerned almost entirely with the "Whys", as string theory is currently very far removed from experiment. I will mention a few experimental connections at the end, but don't get your hopes up too much.
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Copyright © 2004 by Steuard Jensen.