English

Is string theory a theory of quantum gravity?

High Energy Physics - Theory 2015-05-28 v2 General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Abstract

Some problems in finding a complete quantum theory incorporating gravity are discussed. One is that of giving a consistent unitary description of high-energy scattering. Another is that of giving a consistent quantum description of cosmology, with appropriate observables. While string theory addresses some problems of quantum gravity, its ability to resolve these remains unclear. Answers may require new mechanisms and constructs, whether within string theory, or in another framework.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1105.6359,
  title  = {Is string theory a theory of quantum gravity?},
  author = {Steven B. Giddings},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1105.6359},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

Invited contribution for "Forty Years of String Theory: Reflecting on the Foundations," a special issue of Found. Phys., ed. by G 't Hooft, E. Verlinde, D. Dieks, S. de Haro. 32 pages, 5 figs., harvmac. v2: final version to appear in journal (small revisions)

R2 v1 2026-06-21T18:15:33.642Z