Old Ideas for New Physicists III: String Theory Parameters are NOT Vacuum Expectation Values

TL;DR

This paper clarifies that parameters in string theory models of quantum gravity should not be interpreted as vacuum expectation values, challenging common assumptions and guiding future research directions.

Contribution

It emphasizes that string theory parameters are not vacuum expectation values, providing a conceptual correction for physicists working on quantum gravity models.

Findings

Parameters in string theory are not vacuum expectation values.

Misinterpretation can lead to conceptual errors in model building.

Clarifies foundational assumptions in string theory research.

Abstract

I review, for the benefit of younger physicists, arguments proposed at the beginning of the 21st century, which show that it is misleading to think of the parameters in string theory models of quantum gravity as vacuum expectation values of fields.