Gauguin's questions in particle physics: Where are we coming from? What are we? Where are we going?

TL;DR

This paper explores fundamental questions in particle physics and cosmology, examining the Standard Model, potential new physics, the universe's origins, content, and future, linking these to Gauguin's philosophical inquiries.

Contribution

It provides an overview connecting key open questions in particle physics and cosmology with Gauguin's philosophical questions, highlighting their relevance to current research.

Findings

Assessment of the Standard Model's status

Discussion of physics beyond the Standard Model

Insights into the universe's early stages and future

Abstract

Within particle physics itself, Gauguin's questions may be interpreted as: P1 - What is the status of the Standard Model? P2 - What physics may lie beyond the Standard Model? P3 - What is the `Theory of Everything'? Gauguin's questions may also asked within a cosmological context: C1 - What were the early stages of the Big Bang? C2 - What is the material content of the Universe today? C3 - What is the future of the Universe? In this talk I preview many of the topics to be discussed in the plenary sessions of this conference, highlighting how they bear on these fundamental questions.