Can Kindergarten STR Math Solve Polchinski's Paradox?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of resolving Polchinski's paradox using concepts from special relativity (STR) at a kindergarten level of mathematics. Participants explore whether simpler mathematical approaches can effectively address this paradox, which is related to the behavior of billiard balls in relativistic contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if kindergarten-level STR mathematics can eliminate Polchinski's paradox.
  • Another participant references a quote from Kip Thorne's book suggesting a positive answer but notes that the analysis may not be fully relativistic.
  • A third participant mentions a paper that might provide insights but expresses uncertainty about its applicability to relativistic scenarios, indicating that the billiard balls discussed may not have been analyzed under relativistic conditions.
  • Participants express a desire for further assistance and insights on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on whether kindergarten STR mathematics can resolve Polchinski's paradox, and multiple competing views remain regarding the applicability of existing analyses.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made in the referenced works, particularly concerning the relativistic nature of the scenarios discussed. The applicability of the kindergarten-level approach to the paradox remains unclear.

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Is it possible to get rid of Polchinski's paradox with kindergarten STR maths?
 
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This online quote from Kip Thorne's excellent semi-popular book "Black Holes & Timewarps" says yes. [add]But the analysis may not be relativistic.
 
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A more detailed paper would be http://prola.aps.org/abstract/PRD/v44/i4/p1077_1 (but I haven't read it personally, it's on my to-read list).

Reading this paper seems to suggest that the billiard balls analyzed were not relativistic, though. I don't know for sure if anyone has done the relativistic case.
 
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Your help is very much appreciated. Thank you.
 

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