We explore the quantum nature of black holes by introducing an effective
framework that takes into account deviations from the classical results. The
approach is based on introducing quantum corrections to the classical
Schwarzschild geometry in a way that is consistent with the physical scales of
the black hole and its classical symmetries. This is achieved by organizing the
quantum corrections in inverse powers of a physical distance. By solving the
system in a self-consistent way we show that the derived physical quantities,
such as event horizons, temperature and entropy can be expressed in a well
defined expansion in the inverse powers of the black hole mass. The approach
captures the general form of the quantum corrections to black hole physics
without requiring to commit to a specific model of quantum gravity.Comment: Revised version, added references, refined text and added explanatory
footnote. 23 pages, 13 figure