Target space ≠ space

• Published in: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics Vol. 59; pp. 81 - 88
• Main Author: Huggett, Nick
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Duality; Gauge; Gravity; Quantum; String theory; Symmetry; String theory; Quantum; Duality; Gravity; Gauge; Symmetry
• ISSN: 1355-2198; 1879-2502
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsb.2015.08.007

This paper investigates the significance of T-duality in string theory: the indistinguishability with respect to all observables, of models attributing radically different radii to space—larger than the observable universe, or far smaller than the Planck length, say. Two interpretational branch points are identified and discussed. First, whether duals are physically equivalent or not: by considering a duality of the familiar simple harmonic oscillator, I argue that they are. Unlike the oscillator, there are no measurements ‘outside’ string theory that could distinguish the duals. Second, whether duals agree or disagree on the radius of ‘target space’, the space in which strings evolve according to string theory. I argue for the latter position, because the alternative leaves it unknown what the radius is. Since duals are physically equivalent yet disagree on the radius of target space, it follows that the radius is indeterminate between them. Using an analysis of Brandenberger and Vafa (1989), I explain why—even so—space is observed to have a determinate, large radius. The conclusion is that observed, ‘phenomenal’ space is not target space, since a space cannot have both a determinate and indeterminate radius: instead phenomenal space must be a higher-level phenomenon, not fundamental. •T-dual models assign different radii to target space, in which strings live.•T-duals are physically equivalent: disagreements are unphysical.•Therefore, the radius of target space is physically indeterminate.•T-duals agree on the determinate radius of familiar, ‘phenomenal’ space.•Therefore, target space ≠ phenomenal space.