Arguments for F-theory

Abstract

After a brief review of string and $M$-Theory we point out some deficiencies. Partly to cure them, we present several arguments for ``$F$-Theory'', enlarging spacetime to $(2,10)$ signature, following the original suggestion of C. Vafa. We introduce a suggestive Supersymmetric 27-plet of particles, associated to the exceptional symmetric hermitian space $E_6/Spi{n}^c(10)$. Several possible future directions, including using projective rather than metric geometry, are mentioned. We should emphasize that $F$-Theory is yet just a very provisional attempt, lacking clear dynamical principles.

To appear in early 2006 in Mod. Phys. Lett. A as Brief Review