2001/03/12 by T. A. Larsson, Larsson, T. A.
Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Algebraic structures and combinatorial models #Black Holes and Theoretical Physics #FOS: Physical sciences #High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th) #Mathematical Physics (math-ph) #Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.math-ph/0103013
openalex publication_date 2001/03/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
I argue that string theory can not be a serious candidate for the Theory of Everything, not because it lacks experimental support, but because of its algebraic shallowness. I describe two classes of algebraic structures which are deeper and more general than anything seen in string theory: The multi-dimensional Virasoro algebras, i.e. the abelian but non-central extension of the algebra of vector fields in N dimensions by its module of closed dual one-forms. The exceptional simple Lie superalgebra mb(3|8), which is the deepest possible symmetry (depth 3 in its consistent Weisfeiler grading). The grade zero subalgebra, which largely governs the representation theory, is the standard model algebra sl(3)+sl(2)+gl(1). Some general features can be extracted from an mb(3|8) gauge theory even before its detailed construction: several generations of fermions, absense of proton decay, no additional gauge bosons, manifest CP violation, and particle/anti-particle asymmetry. I discuss classifications supporting the claim that every conceivable symmetry is known.