Life on moduli space?

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for complex life to exist within string theory's moduli space, considering the implications of supersymmetry and massless fields, and finds that life might be possible in such scenarios.

Contribution

It investigates the viability of complex life in low-energy theories with supersymmetry and moduli, challenging assumptions about their incompatibility with life.

Findings

Life may be possible on moduli space despite supersymmetry and massless fields.

Certain moduli scenarios could support complex life.

Challenges to the idea that these features are inhospitable for life.

Abstract

While the number of metastable landscape vacua in string theory is vast, the number of supermoduli vacua which lead to distinct low energy physics is even larger, perhaps infinitely so. From the anthropic perspective it is therefore important to understand whether complex life is possible on moduli space -- i.e., in low energy effective theories with 1. exact supersymmetry and 2. some massless multiplets (moduli). Unless life is essentially impossible on moduli space as a consequence of these characteristics, anthropic reasoning in string theory suggests that the overwhelming majority of sentient beings would observe 1-2. We investigate whether 1 and 2 are by themselves automatically inimical to life and conclude, tentatively, that they are not. In particular, we describe moduli scenarios in which complex life seems possible.