Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the nature of AdS theory and its relationship to quantum theories, particularly in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence and Hawking's views on black holes and unitarity. Participants explore whether AdS theory can be classified as a quantum theory and how this relates to the unitarity of black hole evolution.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that AdS theory is a classical theory of gravity, while others argue that it can be considered a quantum theory, especially in the context of string theory on AdS backgrounds.
- There is a discussion about the implications of the AdS/CFT correspondence, with some suggesting it provides a framework for understanding black hole unitarity, while others express skepticism about the conjecture's robustness.
- Participants question the specific arguments that may have convinced Hawking regarding the unitarity of black holes, with references to T duality and the bulk reconstruction problem.
- Some contributions highlight the distinction between well-understood CFTs and the less understood nature of quantum gravity, raising concerns about the implications for black hole information preservation.
- One participant suggests that information is not destroyed but rather becomes entangled with Hawking radiation, proposing a view that contrasts with traditional interpretations of black hole information loss.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether AdS theory is a quantum theory and the implications of the AdS/CFT correspondence for black hole unitarity. There is no clear consensus on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Participants note limitations in understanding the bulk reconstruction problem and the status of the AdS/CFT correspondence as a conjecture, indicating that existing results may not be entirely convincing.