Physics Meets Philosophy at the Planck Scale: Contemporary Theories in Quantum GravityCraig Callender, Nick Huggett The greatest challenge in fundamental physics attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity in a theory of "quantum gravity." The project suggests a profound revision of the notions of space, time and matter. It has become a key topic of debate and collaboration between physicists and philosophers. This volume collects classic and original contributions from leading experts in both fields for a provocative discussion of the issues. It contains accessible introductions to the main and less-well-known known approaches to quantum gravity. It includes exciting topics such as the fate of spacetime in various theories, the so-called "problem of time" in canonical quantum gravity, black hole thermodynamics, and the relationship between the interpretation of quantum theory and quantum gravity. This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the profound implications of trying to marry the two most important theories in physics. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 85
Page 1
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page 4
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page 5
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page 6
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Page 8
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Sorry, this page's content is restricted.
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Theories of Quantum Gravity and their Philosophical Dimensions | 31 |
Spacetime and the philosophical challenge of quantum gravity | 33 |
Naive quantum gravity | 90 |
Quantum spacetime What do we know? | 101 |
Strings | 123 |
Reflections on the fate of spacetime | 125 |
A philosopher looks at string theory | 138 |
On general covariance and best matching | 199 |
PreSocratic quantum gravity | 213 |
The origin of the spacetime metric Bells Lorentzian pedagogy and its significance in general relativity | 256 |
Quantum Gravity and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics | 273 |
Quantum spacetime without observers Ontological clarity and the conceptual foundations of quantum gravity | 275 |
On gravitys role in quantum state reduction | 290 |
Why the quantum must yield to gravity | 305 |
339 | |
Other editions - View all
Physics Meets Philosophy at the Planck Scale: Contemporary Theories in ... Craig Callender,Nick Huggett No preview available - 2001 |
Common terms and phrases
3-geometries approaches to quantum background black hole Bohmian canonical quantum gravity Cauchy surfaces causal structure co-ordinates commute conceptual problems configuration constant constraint corresponding covariance curvature D-Branes defined degrees of freedom diffeomorphism discussion dumb hole dynamical trajectories Einstein electromagnetic energy entropy evolution example field equations foliation formulation four-dimensional fundamental gauge orbits gauge-invariant geometry gravitational field hole argument idea interaction interpretation invariance Isham Kuchař Lorentz Lorentzian mass mathematical matter measurement metric Minkowski momentum motion Newtonian objects observables operator particle Penrose Penrose's perturbative phase space philosophical physical physicists Planck postulate principle programme quantities quantization quantum field theory quantum mechanics quantum superposition quantum theory radiation relativistic Rovelli scalar Schrödinger Schrödinger equation Section spacetime points spatial special relativity string theory superposition superstring theory symmetry tensor theory of gravity theory of quantum thermodynamics topology transformations universe Unruh values variables vector field wave function Wheeler-DeWitt equation