Dogmas of Effective Field Theory: Scheme Dependence, Fundamental Parameters, and the Many Faces of the Higgs Naturalness Principle

Abstract The earliest formulation of the Higgs naturalness argument has been criticized on grounds that it relies a particular cutoff-based regularization scheme. One response to this criticism circumvent worry by reformulating in terms renormalized, regulator-independent parametrization. An alternative is deny regulator dependence poses problem for argument, because nature itself furnishes particular, physically correct any effective field theory (EFT) form EFT’s physical cutoff, together with an associated set bare parameters constitute unique preferred “fundamental parameters” EFT. Here, I argue both lines defense against initial about are flawed. reformulation renormalized simply trades scheme renormalization scheme, and one or another afflicts all formulations argument. Concerning second response, suspending principle independence favor parametrization thin; assumption parametrization, whether “physical parameters,” constitutes theoretical idle wheel generating confirmed predictions established EFTs, which invariably scheme-independent. highlight certain features understanding EFT-based approach foundations QFT, emerges when abandons explain how departs from several dogmas concerning mathematical interpretation EFTs high-energy physics.