What is String Theory?
Joseph Polchinski
TL;DR
This paper introduces conformal field theory and string perturbation theory, then explores fundamental questions about string theory, including vacua, dualities, and the role of string field theory and matrix models.
Contribution
It provides an overview of key concepts in string theory and discusses ongoing debates about its foundational aspects and mathematical formulations.
Findings
Clarifies the role of conformal field theory in string theory
Examines the landscape of vacua and dualities in string models
Discusses the potential significance of string field theory and matrix models
Abstract
The first part is an introduction to conformal field theory and string perturbation theory. The second part deals with the search for a deeper answer to the question posed in the title. Contents: 1. Conformal Field Theory 2. String Theory 3. Vacua and Dualities 4. String Field Theory or Not String Field Theory 5. Matrix Models
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Taxonomy
TopicsQuantum and Classical Electrodynamics · Relativity and Gravitational Theory · Computational Physics and Python Applications