What are the different approaches to QG and QM without spacetime?

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In summary, there are two main approaches to quantum gravity and quantum mechanics without spacetime: the relational and the absolute. The relational approach, championed by physicist Carlo Rovelli, sees spacetime as an emergent structure from the interactions between quantum systems. On the other hand, the absolute approach, advocated by physicist Lee Smolin, posits that spacetime is a fundamental structure that exists independently of matter and is subject to its own laws of quantum mechanics. Both approaches have their strengths and limitations, and the debate between them continues in the pursuit of a unified theory of quantum gravity.
  • #1
astroquest34@gmail.com
I'm beginning a research on the different approaches to QG (or also
calssical QM) where the attempt to introduce the notion of spacetime
as an emergent concept is made. I would like to find for introductory
material which describes in one (or few) papers these different
approaches giving first an overview on the subject. Can anyone suggest
some? If there is none, please suggest the approaches/theories/
speculations (in string theory, CQG, or even alternative theories) you
believe are actually the most interesting/promising in potentially
describing physics where space and time no longer is a foundation but
only a low energy emerging property.

Thank you, Mark.
 
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  • #2
On 3 Nov., 16:23, "astroques...@gmail.com" <astroques...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> I'm beginning a research on the different approaches to QG (or also
> calssical QM) where the attempt to introduce the notion of spacetime
> as an emergent concept is made.


See gr-qc/0205035 for my approach.

Ilja
 
  • #3
astroquest34@gmail.com wrote:
> if there is none, please suggest the approaches/theories/
> speculations (in string theory, CQG, or even alternative theories) you
> believe are actually the most interesting/promising in potentially
> describing physics where space and time no longer is a foundation but
> only a low energy emerging property.


There is a number of penetrating papers by J. Barbour
http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0309089
http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0012089 (and other related papers
cited in the first reference above),
as well as his book "The End of Times", (Oxford Univ Press, 2000).

See also http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0610061 (pages 107-163),
and a recent work http://arxiv.org/abs/0712.3660
for my approach.
 
  • #4
Fotini Markopoulou write about emergent space-time.
Markopoulou, F.: Space does not exist, so time can. (2008) (http://www.fqxi.org/community/forum/topic/376)

Also
Ambjorn, J., Jurkiewicz, J., Loll, R.: Self-Organizing Quantum Universe. Sci. Am. Jun, 42-49 (2008)
Regards
 
  • #5
Theory of Anton Zeilinger and Caslav Brukner have also elements of emergentism, because it concetrates on quantum information (qubit) so without space.
 

1. What is quantum gravity (QG)?

Quantum gravity is a theoretical framework that attempts to reconcile the theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity, which are currently the two most successful theories in physics. QG aims to explain the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, where the effects of both quantum mechanics and general relativity are significant.

2. What are the different approaches to quantum gravity?

There are several different approaches to quantum gravity, including string theory, loop quantum gravity, and causal dynamical triangulation. Each of these approaches uses different mathematical and conceptual tools to try and unify quantum mechanics and general relativity.

3. How do these approaches differ from traditional quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR)?

The main difference between these approaches and traditional QM and GR is that they do not rely on the concept of spacetime as a fixed and continuous background. Instead, they try to describe the fundamental nature of the universe without spacetime, as it is believed to break down at the smallest scales.

4. What are the challenges in developing a theory of quantum gravity?

One of the main challenges in developing a theory of quantum gravity is the lack of experimental evidence at the scale where quantum gravitational effects are expected to be significant. This makes it difficult to test and refine these theories. Additionally, the mathematical and conceptual complexities of combining quantum mechanics and general relativity make it a difficult problem to solve.

5. How close are we to a complete theory of quantum gravity?

It is difficult to say how close we are to a complete theory of quantum gravity, as it is an ongoing area of research with many different approaches and no definitive solution yet. Some theories, such as string theory, have shown promising results in certain areas, but more research and experimentation is needed to fully understand the nature of quantum gravity.

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