Resolution of the black hole information loss problem

Establish a definitive resolution of the black hole information loss paradox in quantum gravity—ascertaining whether unitary evolution holds for black hole formation and evaporation and how all relevant degrees of freedom, including potentially non-local ones, are to be consistently counted.

Background

Dimitri Nanopoulos reviews the history of the black hole information loss paradox, including Hawking’s proposal of pure-to-mixed evolution and later approaches using density matrices and generalized Liouville equations. He emphasizes complications introduced by quantum gravitational fluctuations and the challenges in accounting for all degrees of freedom, especially possible non-local ones.

Despite extensive work in string theory and related frameworks, he argues that the community has not reached consensus, leaving the core question of information loss versus preservation unresolved.