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Signature-Based Model-Independent Searches at the Large Hadron Collider: An Experimental Strategy Aiming at Safeness in a Theory-Dependent Way

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Pierre-Hugues Beauchemin
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Abstract

Signature-based model-independent (SBMI) searches for new physics form an explorative component of High Energy Physics experiments that aims at avoiding biases toward beyond-the-standard-model theories. In order to maximize their chances of meeting their objectives, however, SBMI searches must be guided by theory about the target phenomena. They correspond to strategy-driven experiments as defined by Koray Karaca, in contrast to Friedrich Steinle’s conception of explorative experiments. A concept of type II safeness is proposed to explain how the objectives of the experiment introduce theory dependence in the search strategy. Empirical evidence obtained from Large Hadron Collider experiments can therefore not avoid dependence on theory.

Type
Physical Sciences
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 87 , Issue 5: PSA 2018 - Proceedings of the 2018 biennial meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association. Part II Symposia Papers , December 2020 , pp. 1234 - 1245
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

I would like to thank Kent Staley, Michael Stöltzner, and Peter Mättig for useful discussions on theory-ladeness, as well as Kevin Elliott for useful comments on the manuscript.

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