The Utility of Naturalness, and how its Application to Quantum Electrodynamics envisages the Standard Model and Higgs Boson

TL;DR

This paper argues that applying the principle of Naturalness to quantum electrodynamics can theoretically lead to the Standard Model and Higgs boson without new experimental data, challenging traditional views on its role in particle physics.

Contribution

It provides a novel a posteriori justification for Naturalness by demonstrating its implications for the Standard Model and Higgs boson within quantum electrodynamics.

Findings

Naturalness application guides toward the Standard Model and Higgs boson.

Supports the relevance of Naturalness in current and future theory development.

Offers a philosophical perspective on the role of Naturalness in physics.

Abstract

With the Higgs boson discovery and no new physics found at the LHC, confidence in Naturalness as a guiding principle for particle physics is under increased pressure. We wait to see if it proves its mettle in the LHC upgrades ahead, and beyond. In the meantime, in a series of "realistic intellectual leaps" I present a justification {\it a posteriori} of the Naturalness criterion by suggesting that uncompromising application of the principle to quantum electrodynamics leads toward the Standard Model and Higgs boson without additional experimental input. Potential lessons for today and future theory building are commented upon.