The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity

TRAMA

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.

NOTE EDITORE

Quantum gravity is the name given to a theory that unites general relativity - Einstein's theory of gravitation and spacetime - with quantum field theory, our framework for describing non-gravitational forces. The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity brings together philosophers and physicists to discuss a range of conceptual issues that surface in the effort to unite these theories, focusing in particular on the ontological nature of the spacetime that results. Although there has been a great deal written about quantum gravity from the perspective of physicists and mathematicians, very little attention has been paid to the philosophical aspects. This volume closes that gap, with essays written by some of the leading researchers in the field. Individual papers defend or attack a structuralist perspective on the fundamental ontologies of our physical theories, which offers the possibility of shedding new light on a number of foundational problems. It is a book that will be of interest not only to physicists and philosophers of physics but to anyone concerned with foundational issues and curious to explore new directions in our understanding of spacetime and quantum physics.

SOMMARIO

1 - Quantum Gravity Meets Structuralism: Interweaving Relations in the Foundations of Physics2 - Structural Realism and Quantum Gravity3 - Structure, Individuality, and Quantum Gravity4 - Points, Particles, and Structural Realism5 - Holism and Structuralism in Classical and Quantum GR6 - Time and Structure in Canonical Gravity7 - The Case for Background Independence8 - Quantum Quandaries: A Category-Theoretic Perspective

ALTRE INFORMAZIONI

• Condizione: Nuovo
• ISBN: 9780199269693
• Dimensioni: 240 x 23.0 x 160 mm Ø 584 gr
• Formato: Copertina rigida
• Pagine Arabe: 284