# Lambda and the limits of effective field theory

Koberinski, Adam and Smeenk, Chris (2022) Lambda and the limits of effective field theory. [Preprint]

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## Abstract

The cosmological constant problem stems from treating quantum field theory and general relativity as an effective field theory (EFT). We argue that the problem is a \textit{reductio ad absurdum}, and that one should reject the assumption that general relativity can generically be treated as an EFT. This marks a failure of naturalness, and an \textit{internal} signal that EFT methods do not apply in all spacetime domains. We then take an \textit{external} view, showing that the assumptions for using EFTs are violated in general relativistic domains where $\Lambda$ is relevant. We highlight some ways forward that do not depend on naturalness.

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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Smeenk, Chriscsmeenk2@uwo.ca0000-0002-6101-0048
Additional Information: Forthcoming in Philosophy of Science
Keywords: Effective field theory; quantum gravity; cosmological constant problem
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date Deposited: 03 Mar 2022 17:48
Item ID: 20289
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date: 2022
URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20289