What is the Hierarchy Problem?

Abstract

Is there a Hierarchy Problem? If so, what, exactly, is the problem? Almost every theorist has a personal answer to these questions. In this article, I give my answers. I will explain that the Hierarchy Problem is not a formal problem but rather our ignorance of a crucial physics explanation -- the explanation of the nature of the Higgs boson. Without the solution to this problem, we cannot make progress on the major questions of our field.

arXiv comment14 pages, invited contribution to a special issue of Nuclear Physics B: "Clarifying Common Misconceptions in High Energy Physics and Cosmology", E. 0 Colgain and Y. Farzan, eds ; v2: typo corrections, references added; v3: typo corrections from the journal copy-edit