String Cosmology and the Breakdown of Local Effective Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper discusses the limitations of local effective field theories in early universe cosmology and proposes that superstring theory offers a more comprehensive framework for understanding the initial conditions of the universe.

Contribution

It highlights conceptual limitations of local effective field theories and suggests superstring theory as a promising alternative for early universe models.

Findings

Identifies limitations of local effective field theories in cosmology

Proposes superstring theory as a better framework for the early universe

Suggests new directions for theoretical cosmology research

Abstract

Most current cosmological models of the very early universe are based on local point particle effective field theories coupled to gravity. I will discuss some conceptual limitations of this approach and argue that an improved description of the early universe needs to go beyond this framework. I will outline a couple of ideas based on superstring theory.