The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity

by Juha T. Saatsi, Steven French, Dean Rickles

Overview

What is spacetime? General relativity and quantum field theory answer this question in very different ways. This collection of essays by physicists and philosophers looks at the problem of uniting these two most fundamental theories of our world, focusing on the nature of space and time within this new quantum framework, and the kind of metaphysical picture suggested by recent developments in physics and mathematics. This is a book that will inspire further philosophical reflection on recent advances in modern physics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199269693
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	01/28/2007
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 6.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

University of Calgary

University of Leeds

University of Manchester

Table of Contents

1. Quantum Gravity Meets Structuralism: Interweaving Relations in the Foundations of Physics, D. P. Rickles and S. R. D. French
2. Structural Realism and Quantum Gravity, T. Y. Cao
3. Structure, Individuality, and Quantum Gravity, J. Stachel
4. Points, Particles, and Structural Realism, O. Pooley
5. Holism and Structuralism in Classical and Quantum GR, M. Dorato and M. Pauri
6. Time and Structure in Canonical Gravity, D. P. Rickles
7. The Case for Background Independence, L. Smolin
8. Quantum Quandaries: A Category-Theoretic Perspective, J. C. Baez