Is String Theory a Theory of Quantum Gravity?
Abstract
Some problems in finding a complete quantum theory incorporating gravity are discussed. One is that of giving a consistent unitary description of high-energy scattering. Another is that of giving a consistent quantum description of cosmology, with appropriate observables. While string theory addresses some problems of quantum gravity, its ability to resolve these remains unclear. Answers may require new mechanisms and constructs, whether within string theory, or in another framework.
- Publication:
-
Foundations of Physics
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s10701-011-9612-x
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1105.6359
- Bibcode:
- 2013FoPh...43..115G
- Keywords:
-
- String theory;
- Quantum gravity;
- Ultraplanckian scattering;
- Unitarity;
- S-matrix;
- Black holes;
- Information paradox;
- Cosmology;
- Local observables;
- Locality;
- Locality bound;
- High Energy Physics - Theory;
- General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
- E-Print:
- Invited contribution for "Forty Years of String Theory: Reflecting on the Foundations," a special issue of Found. Phys., ed. by G 't Hooft, E. Verlinde, D. Dieks, S. de Haro. 32 pages, 5 figs., harvmac. v2: final version to appear in journal (small revisions)