Bottoms up: The Standard Model Effective Field Theory from a model perspective

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Quantum Field Theory
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• Experiments have not found evidence for physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM).
• Model-independent strategies, like the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SM-EFT), are increasingly used to search for BSM effects.
• The SM-EFT is a quantum field theory aiding experimental searches for deviations from the Standard Model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SM-EFT).
• To analyze the SM-EFT within philosophical discussions of models, theories, and effective field theories (EFTs).
• To argue against an overly permissive view of models in the context of SM-EFT research strategies.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of models and theories.
• Examination of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SM-EFT) as a case study.
• Application of different philosophical approaches to models.

Main Results:

• The general form of SM-EFT, while a quantum field theory, lacks inherent model features.
• Model-like features in SM-EFT emerge only when explicitly added or prompted by empirical deviations.
• An overly permissive view of models blurs research stages and overlooks motivations for bottom-up EFT approaches.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a nuanced view of models in the context of SM-EFT.
• Understanding EFTs through modeling does not necessitate commitment to specific realism stances or debates on reduction/emergence.