The Problem of Time

Quantum Mechanics Versus General Relativity

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Gravity, Cosmology
Cover of the book The Problem of Time by Edward Anderson, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Edward Anderson ISBN: 9783319588483
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: September 18, 2017
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Edward Anderson
ISBN: 9783319588483
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: September 18, 2017
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book is a treatise on time and on background independence in physics. It first considers how time is conceived of in each accepted paradigm of physics: Newtonian, special relativity, quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR).  Substantial differences are moreover uncovered between what is meant by time in QM and in GR. These differences jointly source the Problem of Time: Nine interlinked facets which arise upon attempting concurrent treatment of the QM and GR paradigms, as is required in particular for a background independent theory of quantum gravity.  A sizeable proportion of current quantum gravity programs - e.g. geometrodynamical and loop quantum gravity approaches to quantum GR, quantum cosmology, supergravity and M-theory - are background independent in this sense. This book's foundational topic is thus furthermore of practical relevance in the ongoing development of quantum gravity programs. 

This book shows moreover that eight of the nine facets of the Problem of Time already occur upon entertaining background independence in classical (rather than quantum) physics. By this development, and interpreting shape theory as modelling background independence, this book further establishes background independence as a field of study.  Background independent mechanics, as well as minisuperspace (spatially homogeneous) models of GR and perturbations thereabout are used to illustrate these points. As hitherto formulated, the different facets of the Problem of Time greatly interfere with each others' attempted resolutions. This book explains how, none the less, a local resolution of the Problem of Time can be arrived at after various reconceptualizations of the facets and reformulations of their mathematical implementation.  Self-contained appendices on mathematical methods for basic and foundational quantum gravity are included. Finally, this book outlines how supergravity is refreshingly different from GR as a realization of background independence, and what background independence entails at the topological level and beyond. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book is a treatise on time and on background independence in physics. It first considers how time is conceived of in each accepted paradigm of physics: Newtonian, special relativity, quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR).  Substantial differences are moreover uncovered between what is meant by time in QM and in GR. These differences jointly source the Problem of Time: Nine interlinked facets which arise upon attempting concurrent treatment of the QM and GR paradigms, as is required in particular for a background independent theory of quantum gravity.  A sizeable proportion of current quantum gravity programs - e.g. geometrodynamical and loop quantum gravity approaches to quantum GR, quantum cosmology, supergravity and M-theory - are background independent in this sense. This book's foundational topic is thus furthermore of practical relevance in the ongoing development of quantum gravity programs. 

This book shows moreover that eight of the nine facets of the Problem of Time already occur upon entertaining background independence in classical (rather than quantum) physics. By this development, and interpreting shape theory as modelling background independence, this book further establishes background independence as a field of study.  Background independent mechanics, as well as minisuperspace (spatially homogeneous) models of GR and perturbations thereabout are used to illustrate these points. As hitherto formulated, the different facets of the Problem of Time greatly interfere with each others' attempted resolutions. This book explains how, none the less, a local resolution of the Problem of Time can be arrived at after various reconceptualizations of the facets and reformulations of their mathematical implementation.  Self-contained appendices on mathematical methods for basic and foundational quantum gravity are included. Finally, this book outlines how supergravity is refreshingly different from GR as a realization of background independence, and what background independence entails at the topological level and beyond. 

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Sensors and Instrumentation, Aircraft/Aerospace, Energy Harvesting & Dynamic Environments Testing, Volume 7 by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Oxygen Transport to Tissue XXXIX by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Biotechnology in Africa by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Hypertension and Renal Organ Damage by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Optimal Search for Moving Targets by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book The Internationalization of German Software-based Companies by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Clinical Low Field Strength Magnetic Resonance Imaging by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book MultiMedia Modeling by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Complications in Bariatric Surgery by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Entrepreneurship, Human Capital, and Regional Development by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Advanced Materials by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Engineering Applications of Neural Networks by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Weird Comets and Asteroids by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Rupturing African Philosophy on Teaching and Learning by Edward Anderson
Cover of the book Security and Resiliency Analytics for Smart Grids by Edward Anderson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy